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

2574 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is negative feedback in terms of homeostasis?


Describe the stages of phagocytosis (4 marks)


Putting bee honey on a cut kills bacteria. Honey contains a high concentration of sugar. Use your knowledge of water potential to suggest how putting honey on a cut kills bacteria.


People who have McArdie's disease produce less ATP than healthy people. As a result, they are not able to maintain strong muscle contraction during exercise. Use your knowledge of the sliding filament theory to suggest why (AQA BIOL5)


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