List the three functional classes of neurons, and explain how they differ structurally and functionally.
To determine: The three functional classifications of neurons.
Introduction: Neuron is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system. Neurons convey the information to and from the brain. The three different types of neurons depending on their functions are sensory afferent neurons, interneurons, and efferent neurons.
Explanation of Solution
The three functional classifications of neurons are as follows:
- Sensory afferent neurons:
These neurons transfer messages from sensory receptors to the brain.
- Interneurons:
These neurons are present all over the brain and spinal cord. They carry information in both the directions.
- Efferent neurons:
These neurons can carry information from the brain to the effector organ.
The differences in the structure and functions of the neurons are as follows:
No. | Characteristics | Sensory afferent neurons | Interneurons | Efferent neurons |
1. | Structure | Their cell bodies lie close to the CNS. | Interneurons are highly branched. | Efferent neurons consist of short dendrites and long axons. |
2. | Function | They carry information to the brain. | They pass the information between the sensory and motor neuron. | They carry information away from the brain. |
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