AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary function of motor neurons?

1. Send messages from muscles to the brain

2. Send messages from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles

3. Control the heart rate and respiration

4. Coordinate sensory input from the skin

The correct answer is: Send messages from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles

The primary function of motor neurons is to send messages from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles. This process is vital for initiating and controlling voluntary movements of the body. When the brain decides to execute a movement, motor neurons relay the command to the appropriate muscles, causing them to contract and produce the intended action. This key function is integral to the nervous system’s role in facilitating movement and coordination. In the context of the other functions mentioned: sending messages from muscles to the brain pertains to sensory neurons, which are responsible for relaying sensory information such as touch, pain, and temperature. Controlling heart rate and respiration is primarily the role of autonomic nervous system functions, which do not involve motor neurons in the same way. Meanwhile, coordinating sensory input from the skin also aligns more closely with sensory rather than motor neuron functions. Thus, understanding the specific role of motor neurons clarifies their importance in the overall motor control system of the body.