What characterizes the action potential in motor neurons during muscle contraction?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the characteristics of the action potential in motor neurons during muscle contraction, focusing on the physiological processes involved.
Answer
Action potentials release acetylcholine, causing muscle fiber depolarization and contraction.
Action potentials in motor neurons, characterized by rapid electrical signals, lead to the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This opens ion channels at the neuromuscular junction causing muscle fiber depolarization and propagating the contraction signal along the sarcolemma.
Answer for screen readers
Action potentials in motor neurons, characterized by rapid electrical signals, lead to the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This opens ion channels at the neuromuscular junction causing muscle fiber depolarization and propagating the contraction signal along the sarcolemma.
More Information
The action potential in motor neurons triggers a sequence of events leading to muscle contraction, chiefly by converting the electrical signal into a chemical one at the synapse.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing nerve action potentials with muscle action potentials. Observing where these occur and their effect is crucial.
Sources
- Neural Stimulation of Muscle Contraction | Biology for Majors II - courses.lumenlearning.com
- Muscle Fiber Contraction and Relaxation | Anatomy and Physiology I - courses.lumenlearning.com
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