roles of sensory neurons, relay neurons, and motor neurons

• Where do sensory neurons send information?

  To the spinal cord or brain
• What types of stimuli do sensory neurons detect?

  Touch, light, or sound
• How do motor neurons function when you want to kick a ball?

  • Motor neurons send signals from the brain
  • Signals reach leg muscles
  • Muscles contract to move the foot
• What are motor neurons?

  Nerve cells that carry signals to muscles or glands
• What is the primary function of sensory neurons?

  To enable perception and reaction to surroundings
• Where does the sensory axon enter the spinal cord and synapse with the brain?

  The sensory axon enters the spinal cord and synapses with the brain.
• How does the sensory pathway continue to the thalamus?

  The sensory pathway continues with a second neuron projecting to the thalamus.
• What do relay neurons do with signals from sensory neurons?

  They pass them on to motor neurons
• What is the function of the lower motor neuron?

  The lower motor neuron causes contraction of the target skeletal muscle
• What is the sequence of signal transmission when touching a hot stove?

  Sensory neurons to relay neurons to motor neurons
• What do motor neurons use to trigger actions?

  Chemical messengers called neurotransmitters
• What occurs after the sensory neuron in the nerve pathway?

  Synapse with relay neuron
• Where do relay neurons connect sensory neurons?

  In the spinal cord or brain
• How do motor neurons facilitate movement in the body?

  By transmitting signals that cause muscle contraction
• What are the steps in the nerve impulse pathway?

  1. Stimulus activates a receptor in the skin
  2. Sensory neuron carries signal towards spinal cord
  3. Synapse occurs with relay neuron
  4. Relay neuron passes signal to motor neuron
  5. Synapse occurs with effector muscle (or gland)
  6. Muscle contracts or gland secretes substance
• What is the role of motor neurons in the reflex action of moving your hand away from a hot stove?

  They cause muscles to contract and move the hand
• What is the role of the sensory neuron in the nerve pathway?

  It carries the signal towards the spinal cord
• What do effectors do in the homeostasis process?

  Make corrective adjustments
• What is homeostasis?

  Maintaining a stable internal environment
• What happens when a signal reaches a muscle?

  The muscle contracts, allowing movement
• What is the function of relay neurons?

  Connect sensory neurons to motor neurons
• What do motor neurons do?

  They cause muscles to contract and stimulate glands