OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What is the advantage of branched endings in motor neurons?

1. They allow for faster signal transmission

2. They enable connections with multiple effectors or neurons

3. They protect the neuron from damage

4. They increase the size of the neuron

The correct answer is: They enable connections with multiple effectors or neurons

Branched endings in motor neurons play a crucial role in their function by enabling connections with multiple effectors or other neurons. This branching allows a single motor neuron to communicate with multiple muscle fibers or target cells simultaneously. As a result, this adaptation facilitates coordinated movement and a more efficient response to signals from the nervous system. The ability to connect with various effectors means that a single neuron can influence numerous muscles, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of motor control. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the primary advantage of branched endings. While faster signal transmission may be influenced by other factors such as the myelination of the axon, branched endings primarily serve the purpose of increasing connectivity and coordination. Similarly, protection from damage and size increase do not directly relate to the functional benefits of branching in motor neuron endings.