afferent neuron
Definition
- Noun:
- A sensory neuron: An "afferent neuron" is a type of nerve cell (neuron) that carries sensory information from the body's periphery (like the skin, muscles, or organs) toward the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). It is responsible for transmitting impulses related to touch, pain, temperature, and other sensations.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The pain was signaled to the brain via an afferent neuron.
- Afferent neurons form a crucial part of the sensory pathway.
Advanced Usage
- In neuroanatomy: The term is often used in contrast to "efferent neuron," which carries signals away from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.
- The reflex arc involves both afferent and efferent neurons.
Variants and Related Words
- Sensory neuron (n): A direct synonym for afferent neuron.
- Afferent nerve fiber (n): The long, thread-like part of the afferent neuron that conducts the impulse.
- Afference (n): The sensory input carried by afferent neurons.
Synonyms
- Sensory neuron: A neuron that responds to sensory stimuli.
- Receptor neuron: A neuron that receives sensory information.
Related Phrases
- Afferent pathway: The route taken by afferent neurons from a receptor to the central nervous system.
- The afferent pathway for vision is complex.
Noun
-
a neuron conducting impulses inwards to the brain or spinal cord
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