Motor neurons

Motor neurons are efferent neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system (CNS) to muscles or glands. Upper motor neurons in the motor cortex project to lower motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord. Lower motor neurons' axons exit via cranial or spinal nerves to directly innervate effector organs, initiating muscle contraction or glandular secretion. They are the final common pathway for voluntary movement and autonomic motor output.