EFFERENT Meaning and
Definition
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Efferent is an adjective that refers to something that carries or conveys away from a central point or organ, especially related to nerves or blood vessels. It is the opposite of afferent, which refers to something that carries or conveys towards a central point or organ.
In the field of anatomy and physiology, the term efferent is commonly used to describe the pathways or nerves that transmit signals from the brain or central nervous system to the peripheral organs or muscles. These efferent nerves play a crucial role in transmitting motor commands from the brain to different parts of the body, allowing for voluntary movement and coordination. For example, the efferent nerves that control muscle contractions receive signals from the brain and carry them to the muscles, enabling us to perform various physical activities.
In the context of blood vessels, the term efferent is used to describe the vessels that carry blood away from a specific location. For instance, in the circulatory system, arteries are efferent vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart and transport it to various parts of the body.
Overall, whether in the nervous or circulatory system, the term efferent highlights the function of conveying or carrying away from a central point or organ, playing a vital role in maintaining proper functioning and coordination within the body.
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1. Conducting (fluid or a nerve impulse) outward or centrifugally. An efferent nerve, vessel, or duct.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EFFERENT
Etymology of EFFERENT
The word "efferent" originates from the Latin term "efferens", which is the present participle form of "efferre". "Efferre" is a compound word derived from the prefix "ex-" meaning "out" or "from", and "ferre" meaning "to carry" or "to bear". Therefore, the etymology of "efferent" reflects its meaning of carrying or conveying something away or outwards. In the context of biology and anatomy, it refers to nerves or blood vessels that carry impulses or substances away from a particular organ or structure.
Similar spelling words for EFFERENT
- overhand,
- AFRINET,
- affront,
- overnet,
- overnight-bag,
- euphoriant,
- overend,
- avarento,
- different,
- Overhent,
- overnite,
- effluent,
- overnight,
- AFRONET,
- AFRAND,
- ofrenda,
- Overwind,
- Afront,
- cortico-efferent,
- evernote,
- Affrontee,
- cortico-afferent,
- evernight,
- Overneat,
- evernet,
- Effront,
- overhunt,
- Avernat,
- Efren,
- Overwent,
- Affronte,
- overhend,
- afferent,
- auvergnat,
- overwound,
- overweened,
- AVRNT,
- overround,
- Overrent.
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