Neurons that convey information in the form of nerve impulses from the brain to muscles and other sorts of effectors, such as glands and ciliated hair cells, are called efferent neurons. They are also sometimes referred to as effector or motor neurons. These should be distinguished from afferent neurons that convey signals in the opposite direction, from sensory organs into the central nervous system.

The cell body of the efferent neuron is found in the central nervous system where it is connected to a single, long axon that can carry nerve impulses for great lengths. The axon is myelinated, which means it is covered with a sheath that electrically insulates it. This axon then forms a neuromuscular junction with the effectors.

A nmemonic device for remembering the directions of signal flow for afferent versus efferent neurons goes like this: afferent signals arrive at the brain, while efferent signals exit.