What type of neurons carry nerve impulses toward the spinal cord and brain from the periphery?

Afferent neurons, also known as sensory neurons, are responsible for carrying nerve impulses from sensory receptors in the periphery (such as skin, muscles, and organs) towards the central nervous system, which includes the spinal cord and brain. These neurons play a crucial role in transmitting sensory information, such as touch, pain, temperature, and body position, allowing the central nervous system to process and respond to external stimuli. This pathway is essential for sensory perception and is foundational to reflex actions and conscious sensations.

In contrast, efferent neurons carry signals away from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands, facilitating movement and other motor functions. Motor neurons are a subset of efferent neurons that specifically innervate muscles to induce contraction. Interneurons, located within the central nervous system, act as connectors or processors between afferent and efferent neurons, playing a significant role in reflexes and neural circuits but do not transmit impulses from the periphery to the brain.