Chapter 13, Problem 1RQ

Explain the difference between a sensory neuron, an interneuron, and a motor neuron.

Summary Introduction

To explain: The differences between a sensory neuron, an interneuron, and a motor neuron.

Introduction: A neuron is a basic functional unit of the nervous system and is the specialized cells of the nervous system that makes a complex network for the transmission of messages. It is a microscopic individual cell that has the ability to respond to a stimulus and converts it into an action potential. Neurons are divided into three types on the basis of their functions, namely sensory neuron, interneuron, and motor neuron.

Explanation of Solution

The differences between a sensory neuron, an interneuron, and a motor neuron are as follows:

Criteria	Sensory neuron	Interneuron	Motor neuron
Location	Primarily located in the dorsal ganglia of the spinal cord.	Located within the central nervous system.	Primarily located in the precentral gyrus.
Function	It carries nerve impulses or signals from the peripheral receptors or sensory receptors to the central nervous system.	It is a connecting link between the two neurons, namely afferent neurons and efferent neurons, and receives the information from the sensory neurons and conveys it to the efferent neurons.	It receives information from the central nervous system and transmits it to the effector organs such as cardiac muscles, muscular glands, and spinal cord.