Gamma motor neuron
Gamma Motor Neuron
A Gamma Motor Neuron (pronunciation: /ˈɡæmə ˈmoʊtər ˈnjuːrɒn/) is a type of motor neuron that innervates the intrafusal muscle fiber in the muscle spindle and participates in the regulation of the body's sense of proprioception, which is the perception of the body's own position in space.
Etymology
The term "Gamma Motor Neuron" is derived from the Greek letter gamma (γ), which is used in the scientific and medical fields to denote a third entity or type in a series, following alpha (α) and beta (β). In this case, gamma motor neurons are so named because they were the third type of motor neuron to be discovered, following alpha and beta motor neurons.
Function
Gamma motor neurons are responsible for the regulation of muscle tone and the sensitivity of the muscle spindle. They do this by adjusting the tension in the intrafusal muscle fibers, which are specialized muscle fibers found within the muscle spindle. This allows the body to maintain balance and posture, and to make fine adjustments to muscle movement.
Related Terms
- Alpha motor neuron: A type of motor neuron that innervates extrafusal muscle fibers, which are responsible for generating force and movement.
- Beta motor neuron: A type of motor neuron that innervates both intrafusal and extrafusal muscle fibers.
- Motor neuron: A type of neuron that sends impulses from the brain or spinal cord to muscles or glands, causing them to contract or secrete substances.
- Intrafusal muscle fiber: A specialized muscle fiber found within the muscle spindle that adjusts its length in response to changes in muscle length.
- Muscle spindle: A sensory receptor located in muscles that detects changes in muscle length and sends signals to the brain and spinal cord.
- Proprioception: The perception of the body's own position and movement in space.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gamma motor neuron
- Wikipedia's article - Gamma motor neuron
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