Anterior horn cells, also known as motor neurons or alpha motor neurons, are a type of specialized nerve cells found in the gray matter of the spinal cord's anterior horn. These cells are responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system (CNS) to the muscles, controlling voluntary movements of the body.
Anterior horn cells play a crucial role in movement by coordinating and initiating muscle contractions. They are a part of the somatic motor system, which controls skeletal muscles involved in locomotion, posture, and reflexes.
These cells have a distinctive structure, characterized by a large cell body with several dendrites and a single axon extending towards the peripheral nerves. The axon acts as a conduit for electrical signals, called action potentials, that are initiated within the cell body. These action potentials travel along the axon and propagate to the muscles, enabling muscle contraction.
The anterior horn cells receive input from various parts of the CNS, including the brain and sensory neurons. They integrate these signals and transmit a specific output to the appropriate muscle groups, resulting in coordinated movements. Damage or degeneration of anterior horn cells can lead to motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), causing progressive muscle weakness and ultimately paralysis.
In summary, anterior horn cells are specialized nerve cells located in the spinal cord's anterior horn. They transmit signals from the CNS to the muscles, enabling voluntary movements, and are essential for motor function and control.
