Definition

1. Noun:
   • A nerve that carries signals away from the central nervous system: An efferent nerve transmits motor impulses from the brain or spinal cord to muscles or glands, causing them to act.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sciatic nerve is a major efferent nerve controlling leg muscles.
  • Damage to an efferent nerve can result in paralysis of the muscle it serves.

Advanced Usage

• In neuroanatomy: The term is often used in contrast to "afferent nerve." An efferent nerve is an or , carrying output commands.
  • The study focused on the efferent nerves responsible for salivary secretion.

Variants and Related Words

• Efferent (adj): Conducting outward from a central part. Used to describe nerves, neurons, or pathways.
  • The efferent signals from the brain initiate movement.
• Motor nerve (n): A common synonym for efferent nerve, specifically emphasizing control of muscles.
• Efferent neuron (n): The nerve cell whose axon forms an efferent nerve fiber.

Synonyms

• Motor nerve: A nerve carrying impulses to muscles.
• Efferent fiber: A single nerve fiber within an efferent nerve.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Efferent pathway: The route traveled by efferent nerve signals.
  • The reflex arc includes both an afferent and an efferent pathway.
• Efferent division: Refers to the entire output part of the peripheral nervous system.

Noun

1. a nerve that conveys impulses toward or to muscles or glands