What do sensory neurons do?

• A. Control muscle movements.
• B. Convert external stimuli into internal stimuli.
• C. Prevent injury to the body.
• D. Transmit signals only within the brain.

Answer: (B)

Sensory neurons play a crucial role in the nervous system by converting external stimuli into internal signals that the brain can process. These neurons are responsible for detecting various forms of stimuli, such as light, sound, touch, and temperature, from the environment. Once they detect a stimulus, they send electrical signals to the central nervous system, where the information is integrated and interpreted, allowing us to perceive and respond to our surroundings.

This conversion of external stimuli into internal signals is essential for sensory perception. For example, when you touch something hot, the sensory neurons in your skin detect the heat and relay that information to your brain, which then prompts a reaction, such as pulling your hand away. This demonstrates how sensory neurons function as a bridge between the external world and our internal experience of it.