Explain the neuromuscular junction

Action potential causes depolarisation in the presynaptic bulb, this causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open. This causes vesicles containing the neurotransmitter acetycholine to move and fuse with the presynaptic membrane, hence acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft by exocytosis. Acetylcholine diffuses across the synapse and bind to acetylcholine receptors on the post-synaptic membrane. This causes voltage-gated sodium channels on the sarcolemma to open and sodium from the synaptic cleft to move into the sarcoplasm causing depolarisation. This depolarisation spreads across the sarcoplasm by T-tubules. This depolarisation causes the sarcoplasmic reticulum to release calcium into the sarcoplasm, which will then be used by the muscles for contraction.

Answered by Zahra O. Biology tutor

7269 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Excessive dopamine causes schizophrenia. A drug used to treat schizophrenia binds to dopamine receptors in synapses. This binding does not lead to Action potentials. How can the drug used to treat schizophrenia bind to the same receptor as dopamine?


Explain three ways in which the structure of the xylem vessels makes them well-adapted to their function.


Describe the role of the thylakoid membrane.


What are the features of ATP which lead it to being termed the 'universal currency' of the cell?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences