What are afferent neurons primarily responsible for?

Afferent neurons, also known as sensory neurons, are primarily responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. This function is critical as it allows the brain to perceive and process information from the environment, such as touch, pain, temperature, and other sensory modalities. By carrying impulses toward the brain, afferent neurons play a vital role in responding to stimuli and enabling the body to adapt to changes in its surroundings.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of afferent neurons. For example, carrying impulses away from the brain pertains to efferent neurons, which are involved in conducting signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands. Regulating muscle contractions is typically the role of motor neurons and involves the action of efferent pathways. Producing neurotransmitters is a general function associated with neurons but does not specifically relate to afferent neurons, which are focused more on sensory signal transmission.