What type of neuron carries impulses from sensory receptors to the spinal cord?

Get ready for the HESI Entrance Exam for Chamberlain! Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Sensory neurons are specialized to carry impulses from sensory receptors, such as those found in the skin, eyes, ears, and other organs, directly to the spinal cord and brain. These neurons are integral to the sensory pathways of the nervous system and play a crucial role in processing external stimuli by transmitting sensory information that the body interprets.

The structure of sensory neurons includes long dendrites that receive signals from sensory receptors and a single axon that conducts these impulses toward the central nervous system. This enables the organism to react to environmental changes, such as feeling pain, temperature, or texture.

Other types of neurons, such as motor neurons, are involved in carrying signals from the spinal cord to muscles or glands to elicit a response, whereas interneurons function primarily to connect sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system. Reflex neurons are often part of a reflex arc but do not specifically represent a category of neurons that primarily transmit sensory information to the spinal cord. This distinction underscores the unique role of sensory neurons in the nervous system's functioning.

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