What are the two types of nerves?

There are two main types of nerves: sensory nerves and motor nerves.

Sensory Nerves (Afferent Nerves)

Sensory nerves, also known as afferent nerves, play a crucial role in relaying information from the body's sensory receptors to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). These receptors detect various stimuli such as touch, temperature, pain, and light.

• Function: They carry nerve impulses towards the brain.
• Example: When you touch a hot stove, sensory nerves in your hand send signals to your brain, registering the sensation of heat and pain.

Motor Nerves (Efferent Nerves)

Motor nerves, also called efferent nerves, are responsible for transmitting signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands. These signals instruct muscles to contract and glands to secrete hormones and other substances.

• Function: They carry nerve impulses away from the brain.
• Example: After your brain processes the signal from your sensory nerves of touching a hot stove, motor nerves send signals to your arm muscles to quickly pull your hand away.

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