Which type of neurons are primarily responsible for sending information away from the CNS?

Study for the Praxis II Biology (5235) Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering detailed hints and explanations. Gear up for your test day!

Motor neurons are primarily responsible for transmitting signals away from the central nervous system (CNS) to effector organs, such as muscles and glands. These neurons play a critical role in initiating movement and coordinating responses by conveying information from the brain and spinal cord to peripheral targets.

Motor neurons are essential for voluntary actions, like moving limbs, as well as involuntary reflexes. They can be further classified into somatic motor neurons, which control skeletal muscles, and autonomic motor neurons, which regulate smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands. However, the primary focus of the question pertains to the general role of neurons in sending information away from the CNS, which aligns directly with the function of motor neurons.

In contrast, sensory neurons are responsible for carrying information toward the CNS from sensory receptors, interneurons serve as connectors and processors of information within the CNS, and autonomic neurons specifically control involuntary functions but are part of the broader category of motor neurons. Thus, motor neurons are the most accurate answer when identifying the type of neurons that send information away from the CNS.

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