Upper motor neurons

Upper motor neurons are specialized nerve cells located in the brain that send signals to lower motor neurons in the spinal cord. They play a crucial role in controlling voluntary movements, such as walking or writing. When the brain wants to initiate movement, upper motor neurons transmit information to lower motor neurons, which then activate the muscles. Damage to upper motor neurons can lead to movement disorders, such as weakness, stiffness, or spasticity, affecting how well a person can control their movements. Essentially, they are vital for coordinating and fine-tuning our physical actions.