Motor Neurons

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

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

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

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

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

• Neuron
• Central Nervous System
• Neurotransmission
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy
• Primary Lateral Sclerosis

Motor Neurons Resources
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