Lower motor neurons
Lower Motor Neurons
Lower motor neurons (pronunciation: /ˈloʊ.ər ˈmoʊ.tər ˈnʊər.oʊnz/), also known as final common pathway, are the last link in the motor pathway. They are part of the motor system that connects the brain and spinal cord to the muscle fibers.
Etymology
The term "lower motor neuron" is derived from the position of these neurons in the motor pathway. They are "lower" because they are downstream of the upper motor neurons, which originate in the brain.
Function
Lower motor neurons translate the neural messages from the upper motor neurons into muscle contractions. They innervate the skeletal muscles, leading to voluntary movements. Damage to these neurons can result in lower motor neuron lesions, which cause weakness and muscle atrophy.
Related Terms
- Upper motor neurons: Neurons that originate in the brain and connect to the lower motor neurons.
- Motor neuron disease: A group of diseases that affect the upper and lower motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.
- Neuromuscular junction: The synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where the neuron's signal is transmitted to the muscle.
- Motor unit: A single motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lower motor neurons
- Wikipedia's article - Lower motor neurons
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