Biological Bases of Behavior Practice Test

Sensory information from receptors toward the central nervous system is carried by sensory neurons, also called afferent neurons. These neurons have peripheral endings that detect stimuli such as touch, temperature, light, sound, or chemical signals. Their axons extend from the body into the CNS, delivering signals to the spinal cord or brain for processing. A familiar pathway is receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord/brain, where the signal may be processed directly or relayed to other neurons for interpretation.

In contrast, motor neurons carry signals in the opposite direction—from the CNS to muscles or glands to elicit movement or actions. Interneurons reside mainly within the CNS and connect sensory and motor pathways, helping integrate and process information. Glial cells support neurons but do not primarily transmit sensory information.