Upper and Lower Motor Neurons are two different types of neurons in the human body. Upper motor neurons originate in the brain, while lower motor neurons originate in the spinal cord. Upper motor neurons control movement and lower motor neurons are responsible for the movement of muscles. Understanding the difference between these two types of neurons is important for understanding how the human body works.
What are Lower Motor Neurons?
Lower motor neurons are a type of nerve cell that is responsible for controlling muscle movement. These cells are located in the spinal cord and brainstem, and they send signals to the muscles to control things like walking, breathing, and swallowing. Lower motor neurons can be divided into two main types:
– Alpha motor neurons: These neurons control the contraction of skeletal muscles, and they are responsible for things like moving your arms and legs.
– Gamma motor neurons: These neurons control the movement of smooth muscle, which is found in the organs and blood vessels. Gamma motor neurons help to regulate things like blood pressure and heart rate. Lower motor neurons are important for everyday movement, and damage to these cells can lead to paralysis or other movement disorders.
What are Upper Motor Neurons?
Upper motor neurons are a type of nerve cell that is responsible for initiating and controlling voluntary muscle movements. These cells are located in the central nervous system, and they receive input from the brain in the form of electrical impulses. Upper motor neurons then send signals to lower motor neurons, which are responsible for contracting muscles. Upper motor neurons play an important role in coordinating complex movements, such as walking or writing. damage to these cells can result in paralysis or difficulty with coordinated movement. Upper motor neuron disorders include cerebral palsy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Difference between Upper and Lower Motor Neurons
Upper motor neurons are responsible for initiating muscle movement, while lower motor neurons are responsible for the actual movement of muscles. Upper motor neurons are located in the brain, while lower motor neurons are located in the spinal cord. Upper motor neurons send signals to lower motor neurons, which then carry out the signals. Upper motor neurons are involved in voluntary muscle movements, while lower motor neurons are involved in involuntary muscle movements. Upper motor neuron damage can lead to paralysis, while lower motor neuron damage can lead to weakness and muscle wasting.
Conclusion
Upper and Lower Motor Neurons are two different types of motor neurons. Upper motor neurons originate in the brainstem and control voluntary movement. Lower motor neurons originate in the spinal cord and control involuntary muscle movements, such as those that occur in smooth muscles and glands. By understanding the difference between upper and lower motor neurons, we can better understand how the nervous system works overall.
