A motor neuron is a type of nerve cell that carries signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles or glands in the body. These neurons are responsible for initiating and controlling muscle movement. For example, when you decide to move your hand, the motor neurons in your brain send signals through the spinal cord to the muscles in your hand, causing it to move.
On the other hand, a sensory neuron is a nerve cell that carries signals from sensory receptors (such as in the skin, eyes, ears, nose, and tongue) to the central nervous system. These neurons transmit information about the environment and the body's internal conditions to the brain for processing. For instance, when you touch something hot, sensory neurons in your skin send signals to the brain, allowing you to perceive the sensation of heat and react accordingly.
In summary, motor neurons send signals from the brain to muscles for movement, while sensory neurons transmit information from sensory receptors to the brain for perception and response. Both types of neurons play crucial roles in allowing the body to interact with and respond to its surroundings effectively.