Motor neuron

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Motor Neuron

A Motor Neuron (pronounced: mo-tor neu-ron), also known as a motor nerve cell, is a type of neuron that sends impulses from the brain and spinal cord to all muscles in the body. The term "motor neuron" is derived from the Latin words "motor" meaning "mover" and "neuron" meaning "nerve".

Function

Motor neurons are responsible for carrying signals from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body. This process is essential for the execution of voluntary muscle movements and reflexes. There are two types of motor neurons: upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons.

  • Upper Motor Neurons (UMNs) originate in the motor region of the cerebral cortex and carry the motor information down to the appropriate final common pathway.
  • Lower Motor Neurons (LMNs) are located in the brainstem and spinal cord and directly innervate skeletal muscle to cause muscle movement.

Related Terms

  • Neuron: A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.
  • Central Nervous System: The complex of nerve tissues that controls the activities of the body. In vertebrates, it comprises the brain and spinal cord.
  • Muscle: A band or bundle of fibrous tissue in a human or animal body that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body.
  • Reflex: An action that is performed as a response to a stimulus and without conscious thought.

Disorders

Motor neurons can be affected by various diseases, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP). These diseases, known collectively as motor neuron diseases, can lead to muscle weakness, atrophy, and spasticity.

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