Which structure transmits signals from sensory neurons to motor neurons?

The structure responsible for transmitting signals from sensory neurons to motor neurons is the interneuron. Interneurons act as connectors or relay stations within the central nervous system, facilitating communication between sensory inputs and motor outputs. They receive signals from sensory neurons, process the information, and then communicate with motor neurons to elicit appropriate responses.

Interneurons play a critical role in reflex arcs and complex neural circuits, ensuring that signals are efficiently processed and that the body can respond quickly to stimuli. This function is essential for maintaining homeostasis and coordinating movement based on sensory feedback.

In contrast, the presynaptic terminal is involved in the release of neurotransmitters but does not itself relay signals between neurons. The motor end plate is the region where motor neurons communicate with muscle fibers, not where sensory and motor neurons interface. Dorsal root ganglia contain the cell bodies of sensory neurons and do not play a role in transmitting signals to motor neurons. Therefore, the interneuron is the key structure that facilitates this critical communication between sensory and motor pathways.