Which cells are responsible for transmitting signals from the spinal cord to muscles?

Motor neurons are responsible for transmitting signals from the spinal cord to muscles. They are specialized nerve cells that carry impulses away from the central nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, to initiate muscle contractions. When the brain sends a signal to move, it travels down the spinal cord, where motor neurons pick up that signal and transmit it to the appropriate muscles, allowing for movement.

This function is critical for voluntary movements like walking or picking up objects, as well as involuntary movements such as reflexes. Motor neurons are part of the peripheral nervous system and play a fundamental role in converting neural impulses into action by stimulating muscle fibers to contract.

In contrast, the other types of neurons mentioned serve different purposes. Sensory neurons transmit information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system, facilitating the perception of stimuli. Interneurons act as intermediaries within the central nervous system, connecting sensory and motor pathways. Receptive neurons is not a standard term recognized in neurobiology for a specific type of neuron, further distinguishing motor neurons' unique role in signal transmission for muscle activation.