What function do sensory nerves primarily serve?

Sensory nerves are primarily responsible for transmitting information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system. These nerves play a crucial role in allowing the body to perceive stimuli from the environment—such as touch, temperature, pain, and pressure. When a sensory receptor detects a stimulus, it generates nerve impulses that travel along sensory nerves to the spinal cord and brain, where the information is processed and interpreted.

This function is essential for sensory perception, as it enables individuals to respond appropriately to different environmental conditions. For instance, the sensation of heat from a hot surface prompts a reflex action to withdraw the hand, which highlights the importance of sensory nerves in conveying crucial information for both awareness and protective responses. The other options—movement control, reflex actions, and motor functions—are related to different aspects of the nervous system but do not directly address the primary role of sensory nerves.