How do sensory and motor neurones differ in function?

Sensory neurones transmit signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system, while motor neurones carry signals from the central nervous system to effectors.

Sensory neurones, also known as afferent neurones, play a crucial role in helping us perceive our environment. They are responsible for converting external stimuli from our environment, such as light, sound, heat, and pressure, into internal electrical impulses. These impulses are then transmitted to the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord, where they are processed and interpreted. This allows us to respond appropriately to our surroundings. For example, if you touch a hot stove, sensory neurones in your skin will transmit a signal to your brain, alerting you to the danger and causing you to withdraw your hand.

On the other hand, motor neurones, or efferent neurones, function in the opposite direction. They carry signals away from the central nervous system and towards the muscles, glands, and other tissues in the body. These signals instruct these effectors to carry out a specific response or action. For instance, in the previous example, once your brain has processed the signal from the sensory neurones, it will send a signal via motor neurones to the muscles in your hand, causing you to pull your hand away from the stove.

In essence, sensory and motor neurones work together to facilitate communication between the body and the external environment. Sensory neurones relay information about the environment to the central nervous system, and motor neurones convey the central nervous system's response to this information back to the body. This complex interplay is what allows us to interact with and respond to our surroundings.