Which type of neuron carries signals from the brain to muscles?

Prepare for the Rutgers General Psychology Exam with multiple choice questions and flashcards. Each question includes hints and thorough explanations to deepen your understanding. Get ready to ace your exam!

Motor neurons are the type of neuron that carries signals from the brain to the muscles. They play a crucial role in the nervous system by facilitating movement and coordination. When the brain sends a command to initiate movement, motor neurons transmit this information through their axons to muscle fibers, leading to muscle contraction and voluntary movement.

In contrast, sensory neurons are responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body's receptors to the brain, allowing for the perception of external stimuli. Interneurons serve as connectors between sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system, playing a vital role in processing information and reflex actions. Reflex neurons are often not classified as a distinct type since reflex actions typically involve a combination of sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons to quickly respond to stimuli, but they don't specifically designate a unique pathway or function like motor neurons do.

Thus, motor neurons are essential for linking the central nervous system to muscles, allowing for purposeful movements based on signals initiated in the brain.

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