Question

Destruction of the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord would result in loss of
A. Integrating impulses
B. Sensory impulses
C. Voluntary motor impulses
D. Commissural impulses

Answer 1

Anterior horn cells consist of the grey matter of the spinal cord, the anterior horn cell contains cell bodies of alpha motor neurons which help in the movement of the skeletal muscles. The anterior cells contain other neurons that are involved in gamma motor neurons.

Complete answer: Anterior horn cells are the part of the ventral grey matter portion of the spinal cord which contains motor neurons that ultimately affect the skeletal muscles. This anterior part is also known as the anterior grey column or ventral horn. The anterior column part is the area where the cell bodies of alpha motor neurons are located. Motor neurons in the nuclei of the brainstem cranial nerves are homologous to the spinal cord anterior horn cells. The destruction of the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord would result in the loss of voluntary motor impulses because it is majorly related to the motor impulses. When the sensory function is impaired in conjunction with the anterior horn cell disease, dysfunction of adjacent tracts of the spinal cord or the peripheral nerves may be present. These anterior horn cells are very crucial in performing motor impulses.
Hence, the correct option is C, i.e., Voluntary motor impulses

Note: The anterior horn cells are destroyed by poliovirus cannot be replaced. If the extent of destruction increases it can lead to permanent paralysis as some of the restorations of function takes place by making a habit to use muscles more effectively and by the recovery of damaged anterior horn cells.