Motor unit
Motor Unit
A Motor Unit (/ˈmoʊtər ˈjuːnɪt/; from Latin motor, "mover" and unitas, "oneness") is a fundamental component of the nervous system that plays a crucial role in muscle contraction.
Definition
A motor unit consists of a single motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates. It is the smallest functional unit of the muscle that can produce a muscle contraction.
Function
The primary function of a motor unit is to convert electrical signals from the brain and spinal cord into mechanical movement. This is achieved through a process known as neuromuscular junction.
Types
There are two main types of motor units: slow-twitch motor units and fast-twitch motor units. Slow-twitch motor units are responsible for endurance and maintaining posture, while fast-twitch motor units are used for quick, powerful movements.
Related Terms
- Motor Neuron: A type of nerve cell that is directly involved in the initiation of muscle contraction.
- Muscle Fiber: A single muscle cell that contracts in response to stimulation from a motor neuron.
- Neuromuscular Junction: The synapse or junction of the axon terminal of a motor neuron with the motor end plate.
- Slow-Twitch Motor Units: Motor units that are fatigue-resistant but have a slower contraction speed.
- Fast-Twitch Motor Units: Motor units that contract quickly but fatigue more rapidly.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Motor unit
- Wikipedia's article - Motor unit
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