All Glossary Terms
Anatomy

Motor Unit

A motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates.

Updated

A motor unit consists of one motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it controls. When the neuron fires, all its fibers contract. Motor units vary in size: small units (few fibers) for fine control, large units (many fibers) for powerful movements. Strength gains occur partly through improved motor unit recruitment and firing rate.

Examples

  • Small motor units in eye muscles
  • Large motor units in quads
  • Learning to recruit more motor units

Common questions

What is Motor Unit?

A motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates. A motor unit consists of one motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it controls.

What are examples of Motor Unit?

Small motor units in eye muscles; Large motor units in quads; Learning to recruit more motor units.

Put it into practice

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A 12-week, four-day hypertrophy plan in three phases, with a modest calorie surplus

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