How are signals transmitted across a neuromuscular junction?

Calcium ions enter the presynaptic terminal via voltage gated calcium channels, once the presynaptic terminal is depolarised by an action potential.Calcium ions stimulate vesicles to fuse with the presynaptic membrane, and release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by exocytosis.Acetylcholine diffuses across the synaptic cleft, and binds to ligand gated sodium channels on the sarcolemmaBinding of acetylcholine allows sodium ions to enter the muscle cell t-tubule system and depolarise this cell.Action potential is initiated and propagates along the t-tubule system.

IJ
Answered by Ishan J. Biology tutor

2560 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the role of succession and how does this maintain ecosystems?


How does base deletion in the DNA code produce a nonfunctional protein?


Enzyme inhibitors are often used as antiretroviral drugs in the treatment of HIV. Describe the structure of an enzyme and suggest how antiretroviral drugs would work in the treatment of HIV.


Outline the circulation of blood and the physical changes of the heart during the cardiac cycle.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning