motor cell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "motor cell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to biology or neuroscience, specifically when discussing types of nerve cells that control muscle movements. Example: "The motor cell is responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles, enabling movement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

These proteins are localized on the motor cell in the plant body, and would be potential receptors for the leaf-movement factor to control the leaf-movement.

Tetrahedron

Nyctinastic leaf-movement is induced by the binding of the leaf-movement factor with a motor cell located in the pulvini of the plant.

Tetrahedron Letters

We revealed that specific binding proteins (210 and 180 kDa) for the leaf-movement factor, potassium lespedezate (1), are contained in the plasma membrane of the plant motor cell by using novel synthetic photoaffinity probes.

Tetrahedron

The effect of a motor cell was generated only τmU 0,1) milliseconds after the motor cell fired.

Plosone

When a cell differentiation messenger is triggered, the cell differentiates into one of three cell types according to its differentiation marker with the highest level (as detailed in Table 2): A motor cell – that upon firing will cause the agent to move in lm-lc direction, where lm is the motor cell location, and lc is the agent's centroid.

Plosone

Briefly, when a cell differentiation messenger is triggered, the cell differentiates into one of three cell types according to its differentiation marker with the highest level (as detailed in Table 3): A motor cell.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Fibres from motor cells in the spinal cord exit via the ventral roots and course to their peripheral targets (autonomic ganglia or skeletal muscle).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In some cases, however, the virus begins an assault on the central nervous system, inflaming and destroying motor cells of the spinal cord and brainstem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The movement was believed to involve the pumping of water into or out of motor cells within the plant, but the release of water in these tissues is about 10 times too slow to explain the speed of the trap.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When an insect wanders into the trap and trips over a trigger hair on the leaf, the plant pumps water into the motor cells along the outside of the leaf.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hairs run parallel to the leaf venation and are located beside the motor cells or stomata.

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing nerve cells that control muscle function, consider using the more common and specific term "motor neuron" instead of "motor cell" for better clarity and recognition in scientific and medical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "motor cell" in contexts where the specific function of the cell relating to muscle control is not relevant. If you are generally referring to cells within a system, use broader terms like "nerve cell" or "effector cell" unless the motor function is the primary focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "motor cell" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of cell responsible for initiating movement. As Ludwig AI highlights, these cells are crucial in both plants and animals. The examples show it referring to cells in plant pulvini and animal spinal cords.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "motor cell" is a noun phrase primarily used in scientific contexts to describe cells responsible for initiating movement, though often used interchangeably with the more precise term ""motor neuron"". While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency is uncommon compared to its more specialized counterpart. When writing, consider the context and audience; for scientific accuracy, ""motor neuron"" is often preferred, while "motor cell" may suit broader biological discussions. Remember to distinguish its function from sensory cells and avoid using it when the specific motor function isn't relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motor neuron

This is a more specific and widely used term, especially in the context of neuroscience and medicine, referring to a nerve cell that controls muscle movement.

efferent neuron

This term highlights the function of carrying signals away from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.

motoneuron

A simplified version of "motor neuron".

muscle cell activator

Describes the function of activating muscle cells rather than the cell itself.

nerve cell controlling movement

This phrase emphasizes the role of the nerve cell in controlling movement, providing a descriptive alternative.

locomotor cell

Refers to cells involved in locomotion or movement.

effector cell

A general term for a cell that carries out a response, which could include muscle contraction.

contractile cell

Focuses on the cell's ability to contract, which is a key aspect of muscle function.

mediator of movement

This phrase describes the cell's role in mediating or facilitating movement.

movement-inducing cell

Highlights the cell's function in inducing or causing movement.

FAQs

What is the function of a "motor cell"?

A "motor cell", often referred to as a "motor neuron", transmits signals from the brain or spinal cord to muscles, enabling movement. These cells play a crucial role in both voluntary and involuntary muscle actions.

What can I say instead of "motor cell"?

While "motor cell" is understandable, the term "motor neuron" is more common and precise, especially in scientific contexts. Other alternatives might include "efferent neuron" or nerve cell controlling movement, depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

How does a "motor cell" differ from a sensory cell?

A "motor cell" (or "motor neuron") transmits signals to muscles to initiate movement, while a sensory cell receives stimuli from the environment and transmits signals to the brain or spinal cord for processing. They have opposite roles in the nervous system.

In what contexts is the term "motor cell" typically used?

The term "motor cell" is commonly used in biological and neuroscience contexts when discussing the mechanisms of movement, particularly in relation to plant and animal physiology. You may encounter it in scientific papers and textbooks, although "motor neuron" is more prevalent in the study of the nervous system.