Nerves

Lateral view of the vertebral columns showing the spinal roots coming out of the intervertebral foramen

Nerves are bundles of axons that conduct electrical impulses. 

They are the body's communication system, transmitting signals between the central nervous system and the periphery.

Nerve pathways can be classified as sensory, motor and mixed sensory-motor pathways. 

  • Sensory nerves carry information from the sense organs to the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Motor nerves transmit information from the CNS out to muscles and glands.
  • Mixed sensory-motor nerves contain both types of information.

Find more information on the structure and function of nerves in our interactive diagrams and tutorials, or learn this topic in-depth with quizzes and video tutorials.

Spinal cord segment cross-sectional image showing without labels
Spinal Nerve Roots

The spinal nerve roots are two pairs extend from each segment of the spinal cord which explained beautifully in an illustrated and interactive way.
An inferior view of the brain showing the cranial nerves
Cranial Nerves – Anatomy and Functions

Cranial Nerves (Anatomy and Functions); explained beautifully in an illustrated and interactive way.
An image showing the nerve basic anatomical structures of the nerve (cross-section)
Nerve Structure (Anatomy and diagram)

Nerve Structure (Anatomy); explained beautifully in an illustrated and interactive way.