Afferent vs Efferent Nerves - Study Guide (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on afferent/efferent pathways, dorsal/ventral roots, mnemonics, and related clinical concepts.

Afferent nerves

Nerves that carry information toward the central nervous system (CNS) from sensory receptors; also called sensory fibers.

Efferent nerves

Nerves that carry information away from the CNS to muscles and glands; also called motor fibers.

Central nervous system (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; processes sensory input and generates motor commands.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

All nerves and ganglia outside the CNS.

Dorsal root

Entry point for afferent (sensory) signals into the spinal cord.

Ventral root

Exit point for efferent (motor) signals from the spinal cord to muscles and glands.

SAME mnemonic

SAME stands for Sensory Afferent, Motor Efferent.

Afferent Pathway

Pathway that carries sensory information from receptors to the brain; enters the spinal cord via the dorsal root.

Efferent Pathway

Pathway that carries motor commands from the brain/spinal cord to muscles/glands; exits via the ventral root.

Peripheral neuropathy

Condition in which afferent (sensory) fibers are affected, causing numbness and tingling.

Motor neuron disease (ALS)

Disease affecting efferent (motor) fibers leading to weakness and paralysis.

Spinal cord injury

Injury that can selectively damage sensory (afferent) or motor (efferent) pathways.