The two motor neurons used to transmit signals from the cerebral cortex to skeletal muscles are the upper motor neurons and the lower motor neurons.
1. Upper Motor Neurons:
- Located in the primary motor cortex of the brain.
- Also known as corticospinal or pyramidal neurons.
- Responsible for planning and initiating voluntary movements.
- Transmit signals from the motor cortex down to the lower motor neurons in the spinal cord or brainstem.
- Coordinate and control complex movements.
2. Lower Motor Neurons:
- Located in the anterior horn of the spinal cord or cranial nerve nuclei in the brainstem.
- Also known as alpha motor neurons.
- Connect the spinal cord or brainstem to the skeletal muscles.
- Receive signals from the upper motor neurons and directly innervate the skeletal muscles.
- Responsible for executing the final movements, including muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Control voluntary movements and reflexes.
In summary, the upper motor neurons transmit signals from the cerebral cortex to the lower motor neurons, which in turn directly innervate the skeletal muscles, leading to the execution of voluntary movements.
WHAT ARE THE TWO MOTOR NUERONS USED TOTRANSMIT SIGNALS FROM CEREBRAL CORTEX TO SKELETAT MUSCLE AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
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