Motor Neurons

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Motor Neurons are neurons located in the Central Nervous System that project their axons outside of the system and directly or indirectly control muscles. They are responsible for transmitting signals from the brain and spinal cord to the body's muscles and glands, enabling movement and function.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Motor neurons are typically composed of a cell body, or soma, and two types of processes: dendrites and an axon. The dendrites are multiple, short, highly branched processes that function as the main input sites for neurons. The axon, in contrast, is a single, long process that functions as the output unit of the neuron.

Function[edit | edit source]

Motor neurons receive signals from the brain and spinal cord, convert them into electrical signals, and transmit them to the muscles. This process is known as neurotransmission. The signals cause the muscles to contract or relax, resulting in movement.

Types[edit | edit source]

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 and are responsible for conveying impulses from the brain to the spinal cord. Lower motor neurons originate in the spinal cord and convey impulses from the spinal cord to the muscles.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Damage to motor neurons can result in a variety of neurological disorders, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS).

See also[edit | edit source]

Motor Neurons Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD