types of neurons

Question 1

Neurons

Answer 1

There are three main kinds of neurons and each has a different function.
Sensory neurons – found primarily in the PNS.
Motor neurons – Found primarily in the PNS.
Interneurons – Primarily found only in the CNS.
The abbreviation to remember the 3 types of Neurons is SIM

Question 2

Sensory Neurons

Answer 2

Also called afferent neurons.
Receive and carry sensory information.
This information is received from both our external and internal environments then is transmitted to the CNS.
There are different types of sensory neurons each of which is specialised to respond only to a particular type of stimulation.
For example, the sensory neurons in the ears respond to sound waves, but not to light. The sensory neurons in the skin that respond to heat would not respond to chemical energy

Question 3

Motor Neurons

Answer 3

Often referred to as efferent neurons.
Carry messages from the CNS to the cells in skeletal muscles, organs and glands to stimulate activity.
They enable muscles to move so we can walk or speak, cause glands to secrete chemicals and help control the function of internal organs such as the heart, lungs and intestines.
*Motor neurons are located in the lower brainstem and spinal cord. All outgoing neural information must pass through them to reach the muscles.

Question 4

Interneurons

Answer 4

Act as a link between sensory and motor neurons, relaying information from one to the other.
For example, if you pick up a hot pan, sensory neurons will carry the sensory information from the PNS to the CNS where interneurons will receive and process the information. Then a message may be sent back to the body through motor neurons to move your hand so that the pan drops.