Which neurons transmit information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles?

Which neurons transmit information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles?

• A. Sensory neurons
• B. Interneurons
• C. Motor neurons
• D. Glial cells

Answer: (C)

Motor neurons carry commands from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, enabling movement. They are efferent neurons, sending signals out from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles so they contract. The impulse travels along the motor neuron's axon to a muscle fiber at the neuromuscular junction, where acetylcholine is released to trigger contraction. This contrasts with sensory neurons, which bring information from the body into the CNS, and interneurons, which connect neurons within the CNS. Glial cells provide support and maintenance rather than transmitting motor commands. In somatic motor pathways, cell bodies are typically in the ventral horn of the spinal cord (or brainstem for cranial nerves), with axons projecting to skeletal muscles.

Motor neurons carry commands from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, enabling movement. They are efferent neurons, sending signals out from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles so they contract. The impulse travels along the motor neuron's axon to a muscle fiber at the neuromuscular junction, where acetylcholine is released to trigger contraction. This contrasts with sensory neurons, which bring information from the body into the CNS, and interneurons, which connect neurons within the CNS. Glial cells provide support and maintenance rather than transmitting motor commands. In somatic motor pathways, cell bodies are typically in the ventral horn of the spinal cord (or brainstem for cranial nerves), with axons projecting to skeletal muscles.