What type of neurons carry impulses away from the central nervous system?

Study for the PLTW Human Body Systems Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam!

The type of neurons that carry impulses away from the central nervous system are known as efferent neurons. These neurons are responsible for transmitting motor commands from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body, including muscles and glands, facilitating actions such as movement and physiological responses.

Efferent neurons play a crucial role in the nervous system by ensuring that the signals initiated in the brain result in appropriate responses in the body. For instance, when the brain decides to move a muscle, efferent neurons relay that command, allowing for coordinated movement. This is fundamentally different from afferent neurons, which carry sensory information from the body to the central nervous system, or interneurons, which facilitate communication between afferent and efferent neurons within the CNS itself. Sensory neurons also bring information to the central nervous system, but they do not convey impulses away from it. Thus, understanding the specific function of each type of neuron is essential for grasping how the nervous system operates as a whole.

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