The correct spelling for "motor cell" is /ˈmoʊtər sɛl/. The word "motor" refers to something that provides movement, while "cell" denotes a fundamental unit of life. In the context of biology, a motor cell is a muscle cell that's responsible for producing movement. The spelling follows Standard American English pronunciation, where "motor" is pronounced with an open "o" sound, followed by a "t" and a short "u" sound. The "s" in "cell" is pronounced like a voiceless "s".
Motor cell refers to a specialized type of nerve cell, also known as a motor neuron, which plays a crucial role in the control and coordination of muscle movements in the body. Motor cells are responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord, to the muscle fibers, enabling voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions.
These cells are unique as they possess long axons that extend from the spinal cord or brainstem to the muscle fibers they innervate. The axons of motor cells are bundled together within nerves, forming motor pathways that provide a communication link between the central nervous system and the muscles.
Motor cells consist of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. The cell body contains the nucleus and other necessary organelles for maintaining cellular functions. Dendrites serve as branches that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body. The axon extends from the cell body and is responsible for transmitting signals to the target muscle fibers.
Motor cells are classified into two main categories: upper motor cells and lower motor cells. Upper motor cells originate in the brain and transmit signals to lower motor cells in the spinal cord. Lower motor cells, on the other hand, receive signals from upper motor cells and directly innervate the muscle fibers, resulting in muscle contraction.
In summary, motor cells are specialized nerve cells that serve as the primary link between the central nervous system and the muscles, enabling control and coordination of movements throughout the body.
The neuron of a motor nerve-fibril.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "motor" is derived from the Latin word "motor", which means "mover" or "driver". The word "cell" is derived from the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room" or "chamber". In the context of biology, "cell" refers to the basic structural and functional unit of organisms. When combined, "motor cell" typically refers to a specialized cell that is capable of generating mechanical force or movement.