Motor Axons

Motor axons are the long neuronal projections that carry commands from motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord to muscles, enabling movement and motor control. When a motor neuron fires, an action potential travels along its axon through coordinated opening of voltage-gated ion channels; at the neuromuscular junction, the axon terminal releases acetylcholine, triggering muscle fiber contraction. Their organization, myelination, and ability to regenerate are central to neuroscience research on movement, neural circuits, and peripheral nerve injury. Studying motor axons also helps clarify disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord damage, and peripheral neuropathies, supporting the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Motor Axons - Related Videos

Research

JoVE Journal - Neuroscience

Visualization of the Axonal Projection Pattern of Embryonic Motor Neurons in Drosophila

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Cited by 4 •

2017

This work details a standard immunohistochemistry method to visualize motor neuron projections of late stage-16 Drosophila melanogaster embryos. The filleted preparation of fixed embryos stained with FasII antibody provides a powerful tool to characterize the genes required for motor axon pathfinding and target recognition during neural development.

Visualization of Axonal Projection Patterns of Embryonic Motor Neurons in Drosophila

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2025

Source: Jeong, S. Visualization of the Axonal Projection Pattern of Embryonic Motor Neurons in Drosophila. J. Vis. Exp. (2017)This video demonstrates the visualization of axonal projections in Drosophila embryos. Immunolabeling of motor neurons, precise dissection to expose neuronal structures, and differential interference contrast microscopy collectively reveal detailed neuronal architecture, emphasizing the axonal projection patterns.

Tracking Axonal Transport of Organelles in Motor Neurons Using a Microfluidic Device

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2025

This video demonstrates a method for tracking axonal transport in motor neurons using a microfluidic chamber system. It involves culturing mouse embryonic spinal cord tissues in polymer-coated wells with nutrient medium to induce axonal growth. The movement of fluorescent dye-stained organelles in live imaging, confirms the bidirectional axonal transport.

Visualizing Motor Neuron Projections and Axon Branching Using Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy

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2025

Source: Liau, E. S. et al. Visualization of Motor Axon Navigation and Quantification of Axon Arborization In Mouse Embryos Using Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy. J. Vis. Exp. (2018). This video demonstrates the use of light sheet fluorescence microscopy to image motor neuron projections and axon branching in transgenic mouse embryos. It outlines the steps involved in sample preparation, imaging, and 3D reconstruction of axonal branching for assessing motor neuron growth and connectivity.

Axonal Transport of Organelles in Motor Neuron Cultures using Microfluidic Chambers System

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Cited by 8 •

2020

Axonal transport is a crucial mechanism for motor neuron health. In this protocol we provide a detailed method for tracking the axonal transport of acidic compartments and mitochondria in motor neuron axons using microfluidic chambers.

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