Motor neurons
Motor Neurons
Motor neurons (pronunciation: /ˈmoʊtər ˈnjuːrɒn/), also known as motor neurones, are a type of neuron that directly or indirectly controls effector organs, including muscles and glands. They are responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to the peripheral body parts to initiate movement.
Etymology
The term "motor neuron" is derived from the Latin words "motor" meaning "mover" and "neuron" meaning "nerve". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the nerve cells that control muscles.
Types of Motor Neurons
There are two main types of motor neurons: upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons.
- Upper motor neurons originate in the motor region of the cerebral cortex or the brainstem and carry motor information down to the final common pathway, which is the lower motor neurons.
- Lower motor neurons are located in the spinal cord and directly innervate muscles to cause movement.
Related Terms
- Neuron: The basic working unit of the brain, a specialized cell designed to transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells.
- Central nervous system: The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.
- Peripheral nervous system: The part of the nervous system that consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord.
- Effector organs: A muscle, gland, or organ capable of responding to a stimulus, especially a nerve impulse.
- Cerebral cortex: The outer layer of the cerebrum, composed of folded gray matter and playing an important role in consciousness.
- Brainstem: The part of the brain continuous with the spinal cord and comprising the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.
- Spinal cord: The cylindrical bundle of nerve fibers and associated tissue that is enclosed in the spine and connects nearly all parts of the body to the brain, with which it forms the central nervous system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Motor neurons
- Wikipedia's article - Motor neurons
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