When a Single Motor Neuron Controls a Greater Number of Muscle

Question

When a single motor neuron controls a greater number of muscle fibers in a motor unit, ________.
A) the greater the number of stimuli will be required to produce a contraction
B) each contraction will last longer
C) the muscle contraction will be slower
D) the less precise the control will be
E) None of the answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

When a single motor neuron controls a greater number of muscle fibers in a motor unit, it is referred to as a large motor unit. Large motor units are associated with less precise control and are responsible for producing gross, powerful movements rather than fine movements. Thus, the less precise the control will be.