23/24 U3L2 Flashcard Review Neuromuscular Junctions

Front

What is the first step in muscle contraction?

Back

Resting state of the muscle fiber.

Front

What occurs after the nerve action in muscle contraction?

Back

Acetylcholine (ACh) is released.

Front

What is the role of calcium (Ca) in muscle contraction?

Back

Calcium is released to facilitate muscle contraction.

Front

What is the presynaptic neuron?

Back

The neuron that releases neurotransmitters at the neuromuscular junction.

Front

What are synaptic vesicles?

Back

Small sacs that store neurotransmitters in the presynaptic neuron.

Front

What is the synaptic cleft?

Back

The gap between the presynaptic neuron and the postsynaptic neuron.

Front

What is the motor end plate?

Back

The part of the sarcolemma that meets a motor neuron.

Front

What happens during the transmission phase of muscle contraction?

Back

The action potential is transmitted along the muscle fiber.

Front

What is the function of neurotransmitters at the neuromuscular junction?

Back

They transmit signals from the nerve to the muscle.

Front

What is the sequence of events in muscle contraction?

Back

Rest, nerve action, ACh released, transmitted, Ca released.