Whither motoneurons?

Brain Res. 2011 Aug 29:1409:93-103. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.06.008. Epub 2011 Jun 12.

Abstract

In the preceding series of articles, the history of vertebrate motoneuron and motor unit neurobiological studies has been discussed. In this article, we select a few examples of recent advances in neuroscience and discuss their application or potential application to the study of motoneurons and the control of movement. We conclude, like Sherrington, that in order to understand normal, traumatized, and diseased human behavior, it is critical to continue to study motoneuron biology using all available and emerging tools. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Historical Review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Motor Neurons / physiology*
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Neural Stem Cells / physiology