Sensory neurons that transmit information toward the central nervous system are known as _____ neurons.

Sensory neurons that transmit information toward the central nervous system are referred to as afferent neurons. This terminology is rooted in the way these neurons function within the nervous system. Afferent neurons carry sensory information from peripheral sensory receptors—like those in the skin, eyes, or ears—to the brain and spinal cord, where this information can be processed and used to initiate responses or further actions.

In contrast, other types of neurons play different roles. For example, motor neurons (which are not the correct answer) are responsible for carrying signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands to elicit responses or movements. Relay neurons, sometimes called interneurons, are involved in transmitting signals between afferent and efferent neurons within the central nervous system, but they do not specifically carry sensory information from the periphery to the CNS. Efferent neurons, on the other hand, specifically convey instructions from the CNS to effectors, such as muscles or organs.

Understanding the distinction among these types of neurons clarifies why the term "afferent" is correct in this context, highlighting the directional flow of information toward the central nervous system.