Which statement best describes sensory neurons?

• A. Carry impulses from the sense organs to the spinal cord and brain
• B. Relay impulses between neurons within the spinal cord
• C. Carry impulses from muscles to the brain
• D. Control reflex actions directly

Answer: (A)

Sensory neurons are afferent pathways that carry information from sense receptors toward the brain and spinal cord. They start in places like the skin, eyes, ears, or other sensory organs and translate stimuli into electrical impulses that travel into the central nervous system. This direction—from the periphery to the CNS—is what defines their role, setting them apart from motor neurons (which carry impulses from the CNS to muscles) and interneurons (which relay signals within the spinal cord and brain).

The statement that describes this role best captures what sensory neurons do. While interneurons relay impulses within the CNS or motor neurons transmit commands to muscles, sensory neurons provide the initial input that the nervous system uses to interpret and respond to the world.