In the peripheral nervous system, which functional classification of neurons carries signals from the central nervous system to initiate skeletal muscle contraction and activate glands?

• A. Pseudounipolar neurons
• B. Sensory (afferent) neurons
• C. Interneurons (association neurons)
• D. Motor (efferent) neurons

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the functional classifications of neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). There are primarily sensory (afferent) neurons, motor (efferent) neurons, and interneurons (association neurons).
2. Step 2: Recognize that sensory (afferent) neurons carry signals from sensory receptors toward the central nervous system (CNS), meaning they transmit incoming information.
3. Step 3: Know that interneurons (association neurons) are located entirely within the CNS and serve to process and integrate information between sensory and motor neurons.
4. Step 4: Identify that motor (efferent) neurons carry signals away from the CNS to effector organs such as skeletal muscles and glands, initiating actions like muscle contraction and gland activation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the neurons responsible for carrying signals from the CNS to initiate skeletal muscle contraction and activate glands in the PNS are motor (efferent) neurons.