The somatic efferent neurons (GSE, 'somatomotor, or somatic motor fibers), arise from motor neuron cell bodies in the ventral horns of the gray matter within the spinal cord. They exit the spinal cord through the ventral roots, carrying motor impulses to skeletal muscle.

Of the somatic efferent neurons, there exist subtypes.

• Alpha motor neurons (α) target extrafusal muscle fibers.
• Gamma motor neurons (γ) target intrafusal muscle fibres.

Examples of nerves that contain GSE fibers include the oculomotor nerve, the trochlear nerve, the abducens nerve, and the hypoglossal nerve.

See also

• Efferent nerve

References

References