AFFERENT IMPULSE Meaning and
Definition
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An afferent impulse, commonly referred to as a sensory impulse, is a term used in physiology to describe the transfer of signals or sensory information from a sensory receptor to the central nervous system (CNS). It refers to the neural messages that are conducted through sensory neurons, transmitting information about the external or internal environment to the brain and spinal cord.
When a sensory receptor, such as those responsible for touch, temperature, pain, pressure, or any other physical stimuli, is activated, it generates electrical signals referred to as afferent impulses. These impulses travel along specialized sensory nerve fibers, known as afferent neurons, towards the CNS. Afferent neurons are designed to receive and transmit sensory information from the periphery to the brain and spinal cord.
Once the afferent impulses reach the CNS, they are processed and interpreted, leading to the perception and understanding of the sensory stimuli. The CNS then generates appropriate responses and initiates motor actions as a result of these impulses.
Understanding the concept of afferent impulses is crucial in comprehending sensory perception, as they play a pivotal role in our ability to sense and interact with the world around us. By conveying crucial sensory information, afferent impulses provide the brain with valuable data necessary for accurate perception, interpretation, and response to various external and internal stimuli.
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A nervous impulse passing from the periphery to the center.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AFFERENT IMPULSE
- zfferent impulse
- sfferent impulse
- wfferent impulse
- qfferent impulse
- adferent impulse
- acferent impulse
- avferent impulse
- agferent impulse
- atferent impulse
- arferent impulse
- afderent impulse
- afcerent impulse
- afverent impulse
- afgerent impulse
- afterent impulse
- afrerent impulse
- affwrent impulse
- affsrent impulse
- affdrent impulse
- affrrent impulse
Etymology of AFFERENT IMPULSE
The word "afferent" originates from Latin, where "affere" means "to bring to" or "to carry toward". It stems from the combination of two Latin words: "ad" meaning "to" or "toward", and "ferre" meaning "to carry". Thus, "afferent" describes something that carries signals or impulses towards a particular destination.
The term "impulse" comes from the Latin word "impellere", which means "to push" or "to urge". In the context of the nervous system, it refers to the rapid electrical transmission of signals or information.
Therefore, the etymology of "afferent impulse" suggests that it refers to the carrying of signals or impulses toward a specific destination in the body. In neurophysiology, it primarily implies the transmission of sensory information from peripheral receptors to the central nervous system.
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