Question

State the function of a sensory neuron and a motor neuron.

Answer 1

Neuron

1. The nervous system is made of neurons or nerve cells. They form the functional unit of the nervous system.
2. The neurons are electrically excitable and are involved in the transmission of electrical impulses.

Types of neurons

1. Based on the direction in which they carry the impulses, neurons are categorized into three types- receptor (sensory) neurons, effector (motor) neurons, and intermediate (relay) neurons.

Functions of sensory neuron

1. Sensory neurons carry impulses from the sensory receptors or organs to the brain or the spinal cord.
2. They are also called receptor neurons.
3. Sensory neurons are unipolar and have a short axon and long dendron.
4. Eg- auditory nerve (internal ear to the brain).

Functions of motor neurons

1. Motor neurons carry impulses from the brain or the spinal cord to the effector organs like the glands, smooth muscles, or tissues.
2. They are also called effector neurons.
3. Motor neurons are multipolar and have a large axon and multiple dendrites.
4. Eg.- the oculomotor nerve (brain to eye muscles).