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motoneuron

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈmoʊtəˌnjʊrən/

KK: /ˈmoʊtəˌnjʊrən/

noun
Definition

A type of nerve cell that sends signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles, allowing movement.


Example

The doctor explained how the motoneuron controls muscle contractions.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that a motoneuron is essential for muscle movement?
Sloth B
Really? I had no idea what that was.
Sloth A
Yeah, it basically sends signals from the brain to the muscles.
Sloth B
That's cool! I love learning about how our bodies work.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
neuron
axon
cell
Antonyms
glia
inhibitor
suppressor
Root Explanation

Motoneuron → It is formed from "moto-" (from Latin "movere", meaning to move) and "neuron" (from Greek "neuron", meaning nerve). The word "motoneuron" refers to a nerve cell that is responsible for transmitting signals to muscles to initiate movement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'moto-' meaning 'to move' and 'neuron' referring to 'nerve' — a motoneuron is a nerve that helps you move.

Visually Confused Words
protoneuron
moneron
protoneurone
photoneutron
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