Spinal interneuron

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Spinal Interneuron

The Spinal Interneuron is a type of neuron that is located within the spinal cord. These neurons are responsible for transmitting signals between sensory neurons and motor neurons. They play a crucial role in the nervous system, particularly in the process of reflex arcs and neural circuits.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "interneuron" is derived from the Latin words "inter", meaning "between", and "neuron", meaning "nerve". Thus, the term literally means "nerve between", which accurately describes the function of these neurons as intermediaries between sensory and motor neurons.

Function[edit | edit source]

Spinal interneurons function as the intermediary in the neural pathway, transmitting signals from sensory neurons to motor neurons. They are involved in the processing of information in the spinal cord and play a crucial role in the reflex arc, a neural pathway that controls a reflex action.

In addition to their role in the reflex arc, spinal interneurons are also involved in the formation of neural circuits. These circuits are complex networks of interconnected neurons that are responsible for the processing and transmission of information in the nervous system.

Related Terms[edit | edit source]

  • Neuron: A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system.
  • Sensory Neuron: A type of neuron that transmits signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.
  • Motor Neuron: A type of neuron that transmits signals from the central nervous system to the muscles.
  • Reflex Arc: A neural pathway that controls a reflex action.
  • Neural Circuit: A complex network of interconnected neurons that are responsible for the processing and transmission of information in the nervous system.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Spinal interneuron Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD