Which component transmits signals from the CNS to muscles and glands?

Which component transmits signals from the CNS to muscles and glands?

• A. Sensory neuron
• B. Receptor
• C. Nerve endings
• D. Motor neuron

Answer: (D)

The key idea is the direction of signaling: signals that trigger a response in muscles or glands travel from the CNS out to the effectors through motor (efferent) neurons. These neurons carry impulses away from the brain and spinal cord to muscles, causing contraction, or to glands, causing secretion. Sensory neurons do the opposite role, carrying information from receptors in the body toward the CNS to be processed. Receptors and nerve endings are parts of the sensing process, not the command path that tells muscles or glands what to do. So, the component that transmits signals from the CNS to muscles and glands is the motor neuron.

The key idea is the direction of signaling: signals that trigger a response in muscles or glands travel from the CNS out to the effectors through motor (efferent) neurons. These neurons carry impulses away from the brain and spinal cord to muscles, causing contraction, or to glands, causing secretion.

Sensory neurons do the opposite role, carrying information from receptors in the body toward the CNS to be processed. Receptors and nerve endings are parts of the sensing process, not the command path that tells muscles or glands what to do.

So, the component that transmits signals from the CNS to muscles and glands is the motor neuron.