The terms ?afferent' and ?efferent' typically refer to nerves that lead into or out of the brain and spinal cord. Afferent signals are sent from a nerve receptor into the spinal cord and brain. Efferent signals are sent from the brain to the peripheral body.
It is useful to consider the difference in the words ?affect' and ?effect'. As in ?afferent' and ?efferent', they differ in terms .
of outside-in or inside-out connotations.
In much the same way, both ?afferent' and ?efferent' refer to the same thing: nerve signals. However, the first letter is different to make a directional suggestion. Any stimuli (touch, sight, sound, smell, taste) that the body receives must be relayed through afferent signals. The stimuli are then reacted to by efferent signals.
Understanding the differences between afferent and efferent signals is important for doctors, specialists, or anyone interested in human anatomy.
More Reference Links: http://home.comcast.net/~wnor/cranialnerves.htm http://www.thefreedictionary.com/efferent
