Nerves are bundles of
neurons that carry information in the
peripheral nervous system. They relay information to and from the
central nervous system, sensory and
effector organs and
tissues.
Functional classifications
Nerves are classified functionally by the type and final destination of the signals they carry.
Afferent or
sensory nerves carry
sensory information from
receptors that
detect internal and external stimuli to
integration centers in the
central nervous system.
Efferent or
motor nerves carry
motor output information from
integration centers in the
central nervous system to
effectors in the
peripheral nervous system.
Mixed nerves carry both sensory and
motor information.
Structural classifications
Nerves are also classified
structurally by where they exit from the
CNS.
Cranial nerves arise from the
brain around the brainstem and project out to various
locations in the body through skull openings called
foramina.
Spinal nerves arise from the
spinal cord and project out from the spaces between vertebrae to the body.
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1 - Anatomy and Physiology Basics