Efferent

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Efferent

Efferent (pronounced: /ˈefərənt/) is a term used in anatomy and physiology to describe a process or structure that carries information or substances away from a central location or organ. The term is derived from the Latin word efferre, which means "to carry out" or "to conduct".

Etymology

The term "efferent" comes from the Latin word efferre, which is a combination of ex- (meaning "out of") and ferre (meaning "to carry"). Thus, in its most literal sense, "efferent" refers to something that carries things away or out.

Usage in Medical Context

In the field of medicine, "efferent" is often used to describe the flow of information or substances in the body. For example, Efferent nerve fibers are those that carry signals away from the central nervous system to the peripheral organs. Similarly, the efferent arterioles in the kidneys carry blood away from the glomerulus.

Related Terms

  • Afferent: This term is the opposite of efferent and refers to structures or processes that carry information or substances towards a central location or organ.
  • Efferent ducts: These are small ducts in the male reproductive system that carry sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis.
  • Efferent neurons: These are neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system to the effector cells in the body.

See Also

External links

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