How do motor neurones work?

(using diagram of synapse between relay and motor neurone)

This is the relay neurone and this is the motor neurone, the gap in between the neurones is called the synapse. Information is passed from the relay neurone to the motor neurone. The information is passed by chemicals being released into the synapse from the relay neurone and these chemicals then attach to the motor neurone. The chemicals attaching to the motor neurone causes an impulse in the motor neurone. The impulse means the information can be passed along further until it causes a response. So if the information was that a person's hand is hot because they have it on the cooker, the response would be to contract the muscles in the arm to move the hand away.

HW
Answered by Hebe W. Biology tutor

3987 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis?


Describe the difference between a receptor and an effector, using examples in your answer.


Describe the function of white blood cells


What is the chemical equation for aerobic respiration


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning