Motor Neurons

• What is the primary function of motor neurons?

  Carry signals from the brain to muscles
• What is the purpose of the myelin sheath in a motor neuron?

  To provide a protective coating
• What role do motor neurons play in body function?

  They execute outgoing commands for movement
• What are the key parts of a motor neuron and their functions?

  • Cell body (soma): Contains nucleus
  • Dendrites: Receive incoming signals
  • Axon: Long fiber for signal transmission
  • Myelin sheath: Protective coating
  • Axon terminal: Releases neurotransmitters
• What happens at the axon terminal of a motor neuron?

  It releases neurotransmitters
• How do motor neurons differ from sensory neurons?

  Motor neurons send outgoing commands, sensory neurons do not
• What is the primary function of motor neurons?

  To transmit signals to effectors
• How do the parts of a motor neuron work together?

  They allow signal reception and transmission
• How do motor neurons communicate with muscles or glands?

  By releasing neurotransmitters at axon terminals
• What role do neurotransmitters play in muscle contraction?

  They stimulate muscle contraction when released
• What is the process of motor neuron signaling to muscles or glands?

  1. Motor neurons deliver outgoing signals from the brain
  2. Signals reach the axon terminal
  3. Neurotransmitters are released
  4. Neurotransmitters stimulate muscle contraction or gland secretion
  5. Body can move or function accordingly
• How does the release of calcium in T-tubules affect muscle fibers?

  It initiates muscle contraction
• What is the role of the cell body (soma) in a motor neuron?

  It contains the nucleus
• What do dendrites do in a motor neuron?

  Receive incoming signals
• What is the direction of sensory neurons?

  Sensory organs to CNS
• What type of nerve ending do sensory neurons have?

  Specialized receptors
• How does the communication system of motor neurons contribute to movement?

  • Allows voluntary movement
  • Controls individual muscle fibers
• What are the four main steps in the process of motor neuron signaling at the neuromuscular junction?

  1. Electrical signal reaches axon terminal
  2. Acetylcholine (ACH) is released
  3. ACH binds to muscle fiber receptors
  4. Calcium release triggers contraction
• What is the direction of motor neurons?

  CNS to effectors
• What type of impulse do sensory neurons carry?

  Sensory impulse
• What are the key differences between sensory and motor neurons?

  • Direction: Sensory organs → CNS; CNS → Effectors
  • Signal Type: Sensory impulse; Motor impulse
  • Nerve Ending: Specialized receptors; Synaptic terminals
• What type of nerve ending do motor neurons have?

  Synaptic terminals
• How does the axon function in a motor neuron?

  It transmits signals over long distances
• What is the primary function of motor neurons?

  Deliver outgoing signals from the brain
• What happens when acetylcholine binds to receptors on the muscle fiber membrane?

  It triggers calcium release in T-tubules
• What happens when motor neurons send signals to muscles?

  Muscles move or act in response
• What type of impulse do motor neurons carry?

  Motor impulse
• How do sensory and motor neurons differ in structure and function?

  • Both have axons and dendrites
  • Carry signals in opposite directions
• What do motor neurons form at the neuromuscular junction?

  They connect with muscle fibers
• What is released into the synaptic cleft during motor neuron signaling?

  Acetylcholine (ACH)