Motor Neuron - GCSE Psychology Definition

A motor neuron is a type of nerve cell in the body that is responsible for sending signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, telling them to move. It acts like a messenger, carrying instructions that allow us to perform actions like walking, talking, and picking things up.

In GCSE Psychology, understanding motor neurons helps students learn about how the brain communicates with the body to control voluntary movements. These specialised cells are important for our everyday activities and for understanding how conditions like motor neuron disease can affect movement.