neuromuscular junction
Học thuậtThân thiện
A motor neuron releases neurotransmitters at the neuromuscular junction to trigger muscle contraction.
Definition
- Noun:
- The site of communication between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber: A specialized chemical synapse where the terminal end of a motor nerve fiber connects with a muscle fiber, enabling the transmission of signals that cause muscle contraction.
Usage
- The term is used in biological, medical, and physiological contexts to describe the critical link in the motor system.
- It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).
Examples
- Noun:
- Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction.
- Diseases like myasthenia gravis impair signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction.
- The scientist studied the structure of the neuromuscular junction under an electron microscope.
Advanced Usage
- "To block the neuromuscular junction": To inhibit or prevent signal transmission at this site, often referring to the action of certain drugs or toxins.
- Some snake venoms contain toxins that block the neuromuscular junction, causing paralysis.
Variants and Related Words
- Motor end plate: A synonym often used to refer specifically to the highly folded region of the muscle fiber membrane at the neuromuscular junction.
- Synapse: A more general term for a junction between two nerve cells or between a nerve cell and another cell type; the neuromuscular junction is a specific type of synapse.
- Neuromuscular: (Adjective) Pertaining to both nerves and muscles.
- The doctor ordered a neuromuscular examination.
Synonyms
- Myoneural junction: A less common but equivalent term.
- Motor end plate: Emphasizes the specialized post-synaptic component on the muscle fiber.
Related Phrases
- Neuromuscular transmission: The process of signal transfer across the neuromuscular junction.
- The drug facilitates neuromuscular transmission.
A motor neuron releases neurotransmitters at the neuromuscular junction to trigger muscle contraction.
Noun
- the junction between a nerve fiber and the muscle it supplies