motor neuron

noun

Cell Biology, Physiology.

1. a nerve cell that conducts impulses to a muscle, gland, or other effector.

Word History and Origins

Origin of motor neuron¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Spinal muscular atrophy is caused by a gene mutation that affects motor neurons, the cells that control muscle movement.

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"Although this mutation is found in every cell in the body, it seems to primarily affect motor neurons," Ding explained.

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What is remembered and honored is his response to the ultimate “failure”: a failure of upper and lower motor neurons to make necessary connections that ultimately leads to rapidly progressive muscle weakness and atrophy.

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It's remarkably different from the simple three neuron types classification — motor neurons, sensory neurons, and interneurons — one might have learned in a cursory overview of brain science.

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“Every day kids with this disease lose motor neurons,” Weihs said.

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