Multiple Choice
Which type of neuron is responsible for activating a muscle in the peripheral nervous system?
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13. The Peripheral Nervous System
Introduction to the Peripheral Nervous System
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In motor pathways, the only portion of the pathway that is outside of the central nervous system (CNS) is the:
A
axon of the lower motor neuron
B
axon of the upper motor neuron
C
cell body of the upper motor neuron
D
dendrites of the upper motor neuron
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of motor pathways: Motor pathways consist of upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons. Upper motor neurons originate in the brain and communicate with lower motor neurons, which directly innervate muscles.
Identify the location of upper motor neurons: The cell body and dendrites of upper motor neurons are located entirely within the central nervous system (CNS), specifically in the brain or spinal cord.
Recognize the role of lower motor neurons: Lower motor neurons have their cell bodies within the CNS (in the spinal cord or brainstem), but their axons extend outside the CNS to reach the target muscles.
Analyze the options provided: The axon of the lower motor neuron is the only part of the motor pathway that exits the CNS to innervate muscles. The axon of the upper motor neuron, cell body of the upper motor neuron, and dendrites of the upper motor neuron remain within the CNS.
Conclude that the correct answer is the axon of the lower motor neuron, as it is the portion of the motor pathway that exists outside the CNS.
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