Characteristics of Motor Neuron
Motor neuron are a type of nerve fibres that controls the muscle movement. Some of the characteristics of the motor neurons are as follows:
- Motor neurons are nerve cells that transmit signals from the nervous system to effector sites, such as muscles and glands. It causes the muscle to contract and relax.
- Motor neurons have cell bodies in the motor cortex, brainstem, or spinal cord.
- It have main processes, or axons, that extend from the ganglia to contractile muscles.
- Motor neurons have minor processes, or dendrites, that connect with the neuropile.
- It connect with muscles at neuromuscular junctions that releases neurotransmitters. It facilitate communication between the motor neuron and the muscle.
- Motor neurons form complex circuits throughout the body that allow for voluntary and involuntary movements.
- It forms multipolar structure, with one long axon and multiple dendrites extending from the cell body.
- Motor neurons have the longest nerve fibers in the body, with a single axon that can stretch from the base of the spinal cord to the toes.
Motor Neuron: Diagram, Characteristics and Diseases
Motor neurons are nerve cells that send signals from the brain to the peripheral nervous system to initiate an action. Motor neurons have two main subtypes, upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons. Upper motor neurons originate in the brain and travel downward to connect with the lower motor neurons.
The structure of a motor neuron consists of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. Motor neurons allow us to speak, swallow, move, and breathe. In this article, we will study the motor neuron and understand the structure and function of motor neurons with a well-labeled diagram.
Table of Content
- What are Motor Neurons?
- Diagram of Motor Neuron
- Structure of Motor Neuron
- Characteristics of Motor Neuron
- Functions of Motor Neuron
- Motor Neuron Diseases
- Motor Neurone Disease Causes