What type of neuron carries impulses from the central nervous system to muscles or glands?

Prepare for the SQA National 5 Biology Exam. Utilize multiple choice questions and flashcards, each offering hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

The correct choice identifies a motor neuron, which plays a crucial role in the nervous system by transmitting impulses away from the central nervous system (CNS) to target tissues such as muscles or glands. Motor neurons are essential for initiating movement by causing muscle contractions and for triggering glandular responses.

In terms of structure, motor neurons have long axons that extend from the CNS to their respective muscles or glands, allowing them to effectively relay signals that lead to movement or secretion. This process is an integral part of the functioning of the muscular and endocrine systems.

While sensory neurons carry impulses from sensory receptors to the CNS, enabling perception of stimuli, and interneurons facilitate communication between sensory and motor neurons within the CNS, it is specifically the motor neurons that are responsible for conveying the signals that result in muscle movements and glandular activities. Unipolar neurons, which typically function in sensory systems, do not serve this purpose either. Thus, the motor neuron is distinct in its function of transferring impulses out of the central nervous system, making it the appropriate answer for this question.

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