What it means
A neuronNOOR-onA nerve cell: a cell that carries electrical and chemical signals through the nervous system.neur/o nerveFull entry that sends commands for movement. Upper motor neurons run from the brain down the spinal cordSPY-nul KORDThe long bundle of nerves that runs down through the backbone and carries messages between the brain and the body.Full entry ; lower motor neurons run from the spinal cord or brainstem out to the muscles. When motor neurons are damaged, as in a stroke, a spinal cord injury or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), the muscles they serve become weak or paralyzed.
For the nurse
Compare muscle strength on both sides of the body and report new weakness, a change in grip or trouble lifting a limb. A client with weak muscles of the mouth and throat may have trouble swallowing, so check swallowing before giving food or pills by mouth.
At a glance
| Spanish | neurona motora |
|---|---|
| Also written | motor neurons |
Related terms
central nervous system
The brain and the spinal cord together.
spinal cord
The long bundle of nerves that runs down through the backbone and carries messages between the brain and the body.
paralysis
Loss of the ability to move a part of the body, and sometimes loss of feeling in it.
neuron
A nerve cell: a cell that carries electrical and chemical signals through the nervous system.