What distinguishes sensory neurons from motor neurons?

Sensory neurons are responsible for transmitting sensory information from various receptors throughout the body to the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. They play a critical role in helping the CNS process and respond to stimuli from the environment, such as touch, sound, taste, and sight. By sending signals to the CNS, sensory neurons facilitate the perception of sensory information, allowing organisms to interact with their surroundings.

In contrast, motor neurons carry signals away from the CNS to effectors, such as muscles and glands, enabling the body to respond physically to sensory information or perform automatic functions. This distinction highlights the roles of sensory and motor neurons in the nervous system, where sensory neurons are primarily involved in input and processing, while motor neurons are involved in output and action.

The other options provided do not accurately represent the functions of sensory and motor neurons. Therefore, the identification that sensory neurons send signals to the CNS is fundamentally correct in illustrating their role within the nervous system.