Motor pathways

Motor pathways are the routes through which signals travel from the brain to the muscles in the body, enabling movement. When you decide to move, your brain sends electrical signals down these pathways, which consist of nerve cells (neurons). The signals travel through the spinal cord and peripheral nerves to reach the target muscles. There are two main types of motor pathways: upper motor neurons originate in the brain and influence lower motor neurons in the spinal cord, which then directly control muscle contractions. Together, they coordinate voluntary movements like walking or writing.