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Multiple Choice
A motor neuron along with all the muscle fibers it supplies is called a(n) __________.
A
synaptic cleft
B
axon terminal
C
motor unit
D
motor end plate
E
neuromuscular junction
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the components involved in muscle contraction. A motor neuron is a nerve cell that transmits signals from the brain or spinal cord to muscles, causing them to contract.
Recognize that a motor neuron connects to multiple muscle fibers, forming a functional unit responsible for muscle contraction.
Identify the term that describes this combination of a motor neuron and the muscle fibers it innervates. This is known as a 'motor unit'.
Differentiate between related terms: 'synaptic cleft' is the gap between neurons, 'axon terminal' is the end of a neuron, 'motor end plate' is the region of the muscle fiber membrane, and 'neuromuscular junction' is the site where a motor neuron communicates with a muscle fiber.
Conclude that the correct term for a motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it supplies is 'motor unit', which is essential for understanding how muscles are controlled and coordinated.