Motor neuron

Motor neuron

A motor neuron (or motoneuron) is a type of neuron that communicates with muscle cells. The connection between motor neurons and muscles is critical for physical movement. Motor neurons are part of the central nervous system (CNS) and connect to muscles through the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Structure

Motor neurons have a cell body, an axon, and dendrites. The cell body contains the nucleus of the neuron. The axon is a long projection that carries electrical signals away from the cell body. Dendrites are shorter, branched projections that receive signals from other neurons.

Function

Motor neurons transmit signals from the CNS to the PNS. These signals cause muscles to contract or relax, resulting in movement. There are two types of motor neurons: upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons. Upper motor neurons originate in the brain and carry signals to the spinal cord. Lower motor neurons carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles.

Clinical significance

Damage to motor neurons can result in a variety of neurological disorders, such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). These conditions can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and other symptoms.

See also

• Neuron
• Muscle contraction
• Neurological disorder

References

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