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Which type of neuron carries signals away from the CNS?

  1. Afferent neurons

  2. Efferent neurons

  3. Interneurons

  4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Efferent neurons

Efferent neurons are responsible for carrying signals away from the central nervous system (CNS) to effector organs, such as muscles and glands. This role is vital for initiating responses and actions based on the processing performed by the CNS. When an external stimulus is perceived, the CNS processes the information and sends signals via efferent neurons to coordinate a response, such as muscle contraction or gland secretion. Afferent neurons, in contrast, are the pathways that convey sensory information from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to the CNS. Interneurons primarily function within the CNS and are involved in transmitting signals between afferent and efferent neurons, playing a critical role in reflexes and complex processing. Therefore, the defining role of efferent neurons as the carriers of information away from the CNS underscores why this is the correct answer to the question.