Neuromuscular Junction

Front

What is the gap between the nerve cell and sarcolemma called?

Back

Synaptic cleft.

Front

What happens when ACh binds to receptor cells on the sarcolemma?

Back

The sarcolemma becomes temporarily permeable to sodium.

Front

What component houses the neurotransmitters?

Back

Synaptic vesicles.

Front

What forms the neuromuscular junction?

Back

The nerve cell reaches the sarcolemma.

Front

What occurs once calcium is pumped into the axon terminal?

Back

ACh is released into the synaptic cleft.

Front

What is the role of acetylcholine (ACh) in the neuromuscular junction?

Back

ACh acts as a neurotransmitter that transmits signals from the nerve to the muscle.

Front

What is the function of the sarcolemma?

Back

The sarcolemma is the cell membrane of a muscle cell that receives signals from the nerve.

Front

What is a motor unit?

Back

A motor unit consists of a motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates.

Front

What is the significance of the synaptic cleft in muscle contraction?

Back

The synaptic cleft is the space where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.

Front

How does sodium permeability affect muscle contraction?

Back

Increased sodium permeability leads to depolarization of the sarcolemma, triggering muscle contraction.