What does the term 'effector' specifically refer to in the context of neurobiology?

In neurobiology, the term 'effector' specifically refers to a structure that triggers responses in a target cell. Effectors are typically muscles or glands that respond to stimuli by producing a specific effect. For example, when a motor neuron sends a signal to a muscle, the muscle contracts, resulting in movement. This response is the result of the effector carrying out the action dictated by the nervous system.

The role of effectors is crucial in the context of reflex actions, where they perform the final action based on the signals received from sensory neurons and processed by interneurons. This ability to respond to neural signals allows for quick reactions to environmental changes, significantly contributing to an organism's ability to interact with its surroundings.