Muscle contraction - sliding filament theory

Front

What is the gap between a neuron and a muscle cell called?

Back

Synaptic cleft or synapse.

Front

What role does calcium play in muscle contraction?

Back

Calcium triggers the binding of myosin to actin.

Front

What is the region where a motor neuron comes in close contact with a muscle cell?

Back

Neuromuscular junction.

Front

What two chemicals are necessary for muscle contraction to occur?

Back

Calcium and ATP.

Front

What neurotransmitter is stored in the axon terminal?

Back

Acetylcholine.

Front

What is the function of acetylcholine in muscle contraction?

Back

It transmits the signal from the neuron to the muscle cell, initiating contraction.

Front

What is the role of ATP in muscle contraction?

Back

ATP provides the energy required for muscle contraction and relaxation.

Front

What happens to myosin when calcium binds to it?

Back

Calcium binding causes a conformational change in myosin, allowing it to bind to actin.

Front

What is the sliding filament theory?

Back

The sliding filament theory explains how muscles contract by the sliding of actin and myosin filaments over each other.

Front

What is the sarcolemma?

Back

The sarcolemma is the cell membrane of a muscle cell.