What are afferent nerves also known as?

Afferent nerves are primarily responsible for transmitting sensory information from the peripheral body to the central nervous system. They carry signals from sensory receptors, which are sensitive to stimuli such as touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception, allowing the brain to process and interpret these sensations. This characteristic clearly defines afferent nerves as sensory nerves, emphasizing their role in conveying sensory inputs.

In contrast, motor nerves are involved in transmitting signals from the central nervous system to muscles, thereby facilitating movement. Autonomic nerves regulate involuntary functions, such as heart rate and digestion, and are part of the autonomic nervous system. Peripheral nerves encompass both afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) pathways, representing a broader category of the nervous system. Therefore, recognizing afferent nerves specifically as sensory nerves highlights their key function in the sensory processing system.