Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the primary role of motor nerves in the peripheral nervous system?

1. Sending sensory information to the brain

2. Carrying commands from the central nervous system to the muscles

3. Regulating heartbeat and blood pressure

4. Processing visual stimuli

The correct answer is: Carrying commands from the central nervous system to the muscles

The primary role of motor nerves in the peripheral nervous system is to carry commands from the central nervous system to the muscles. This function is essential for voluntary movements, such as walking or picking up objects, as motor nerves transmit the signals that instruct muscles to contract and produce movement. This process facilitates coordination and interaction with the environment, allowing for effective responses to stimuli. In contrast, sensory nerves send information from sensory receptors to the brain, playing a crucial role in perception but not directly in motor function. The regulation of heartbeat and blood pressure is primarily managed by the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions rather than voluntary muscle movement. Processing visual stimuli is handled by the visual pathways and centers in the brain, not by peripheral nerves. Thus, option B accurately describes the primary function of motor nerves within the peripheral nervous system.