National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The correct answer identifies afferent nerves as part of the sensory pathways in the peripheral nervous system. Afferent nerves, also known as sensory neurons, are responsible for transmitting sensory information from various parts of the body to the central nervous system (CNS). They carry signals from sensory receptors, such as those for touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception, allowing the brain to process and respond to different stimuli.

This pathway is crucial for sensory perception, as it enables the CNS to receive input about internal and external environments. Afferent nerves play a vital role in reflex actions and overall sensory experience, highlighting their importance in human physiology.

In contrast, other options such as motor neurons and efferent nerves are primarily involved in transmitting motor information from the CNS to muscles and glands, facilitating movement and action. Interneurons, meanwhile, serve as connectors or processors within the CNS, playing roles in reflex arcs and complex signaling, but don't directly relate to sensory pathway transmission from the periphery.