What is the difference between afferent and efferent neurons?

Afferent neurons carry sensory information towards the central nervous system, while efferent neurons carry motor information away from it.

Afferent neurons are responsible for carrying sensory information from the body's sensory receptors towards the central nervous system (CNS). These receptors can be found in the skin, muscles, organs, and other tissues. Afferent neurons are classified into three types: somatic afferents, visceral afferents, and special afferents. Somatic afferents carry information from the skin, muscles, and joints, while visceral afferents carry information from the internal organs. Special afferents carry information from the special senses, such as vision, hearing, and taste.

Efferent neurons, on the other hand, are responsible for carrying motor information away from the CNS towards the muscles and glands. Efferent neurons can be further divided into two types: somatic efferents and autonomic efferents. Somatic efferents control the skeletal muscles, while autonomic efferents control the smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands. Autonomic efferents are further divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which have opposing effects on the body's functions.

In summary, afferent neurons carry sensory information towards the CNS, while efferent neurons carry motor information away from it. Both types of neurons are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the body as a whole.