Which neurons are responsible for carrying messages from the central nervous system to the muscles?

Motor neurons are the specialized cells responsible for transmitting messages from the central nervous system (CNS) to muscles. They play a crucial role in initiating movement by conveying signals that prompt muscle contractions. This process is essential for voluntary movements, such as walking or picking up objects, as well as involuntary actions like reflexes.

In contrast, sensory neurons have the opposite function; they carry information from sensory receptors to the CNS. Interneurons function primarily within the CNS itself, serving as connectors between sensory and motor neurons, thus playing a key role in processing information. Glial cells, while important for supporting and protecting neurons, do not transmit messages themselves. Therefore, motor neurons are specifically tailored for the role of sending commands from the brain and spinal cord to activate muscle movement.