Questions and Answers
What is the function of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)?
What is the motor end plate?
Part of the sarcolemma across from the synaptic knob
What is the synaptic cleft?
Gap between neurons and neurotransmitters
What neurotransmitter is involved at the neuromuscular junction?
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What is the function of a synaptic vesicle?
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The change in electrical potential associated with the passage of an impulse along the membrane of a muscle cell or nerve cell is known as an ______.
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What is the role of a chemically gated ion channel?
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What is located at the axon terminal?
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Study Notes
Neuromuscular Junction Key Terms
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Acetylcholinesterase (AChE): Enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, facilitating muscle relaxation by preventing continuous stimulation.
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Motor End Plate: Specialized region of the sarcolemma (muscle cell membrane) located opposite the synaptic knob, where acetylcholine receptors are abundant.
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Synaptic Cleft: Narrow gap between the presynaptic neuron and the postsynaptic muscle membrane, where neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors.
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Acetylcholine (ACh): Primary neurotransmitter involved in transmitting signals from neurons to muscle cells at the neuromuscular junction.
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Synaptic Vesicle: Membrane-bound structures within axon terminals that store neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and release them into the synaptic cleft during neurotransmission.
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Axon Terminal: The endpoint of a neuron where signals are transmitted to the muscle through the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
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Action Potential: Rapid change in electrical charge across a nerve or muscle cell membrane that occurs during signal transmission, leading to muscle contraction.
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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.
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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.
