Neuromuscular Junction Key Terms

Study Notes

Neuromuscular Junction Key Terms

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE): Enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, facilitating muscle relaxation by preventing continuous stimulation.
Motor End Plate: Specialized region of the sarcolemma (muscle cell membrane) located opposite the synaptic knob, where acetylcholine receptors are abundant.
Synaptic Cleft: Narrow gap between the presynaptic neuron and the postsynaptic muscle membrane, where neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors.
Acetylcholine (ACh): Primary neurotransmitter involved in transmitting signals from neurons to muscle cells at the neuromuscular junction.
Synaptic Vesicle: Membrane-bound structures within axon terminals that store neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and release them into the synaptic cleft during neurotransmission.
Axon Terminal: The endpoint of a neuron where signals are transmitted to the muscle through the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
Action Potential: Rapid change in electrical charge across a nerve or muscle cell membrane that occurs during signal transmission, leading to muscle contraction.
Chemically Gated Ion Channel: Ion channels in the muscle cell membrane that open in response to the binding of acetylcholine, allowing ions to flow and initiate depolarization.

Description

Test your knowledge on the essential terms related to the neuromuscular junction. This quiz covers key components such as acetylcholine, synaptic clefts, and more, helping you to better understand muscle signaling and function.