ALS primarily affects which cells?

ALS primarily affects which cells?

• A. Motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord
• B. Sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system
• C. Autonomic neurons
• D. Glial cells only

Answer: (A)

ALS is a motor neuron disease, meaning the cells that control voluntary muscle movement are the ones that primarily die. The key targets are the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord—upper motor neurons in the motor cortex and corticospinal pathways, and lower motor neurons in the anterior horn cells and brainstem. When these neurons degenerate, muscles weaken and waste away, producing the hallmark progressive weakness, fasciculations, and loss of motor function. Sensory pathways are largely spared, so sensation remains relatively intact, which helps distinguish ALS from some other nervous system disorders. Autonomic neurons aren’t the main players in ALS, and while glial cells can be involved in disease processes, they aren’t the primary cells affected.

ALS is a motor neuron disease, meaning the cells that control voluntary muscle movement are the ones that primarily die. The key targets are the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord—upper motor neurons in the motor cortex and corticospinal pathways, and lower motor neurons in the anterior horn cells and brainstem. When these neurons degenerate, muscles weaken and waste away, producing the hallmark progressive weakness, fasciculations, and loss of motor function. Sensory pathways are largely spared, so sensation remains relatively intact, which helps distinguish ALS from some other nervous system disorders. Autonomic neurons aren’t the main players in ALS, and while glial cells can be involved in disease processes, they aren’t the primary cells affected.