The Structure & Function of Sensory, Relay & Motor Neurons (OCR A-Level Psychology): Revision Notes

6.1.2 The Structure & Function of Sensory, Relay & Motor Neurons

The structure of a neuron:

Nerve impulse

Nerve impulses are triggered at the cell body of neurons and travel in one direction, from the cell body to the axon terminal.

The function of neurons:

Sensory neuron: Collects information from our sensory receptors and sends it towards the brain. (CNS and PNS).

Relay neuron: Processes and transforms sensory information and allows sensory and motor neurons to communicate. (CNS only).

Motor neuron: Carries information away from the brain to the muscles, controlling muscle movement. (CNS and PNS).