What are the components required for acetylcholine synthesis?
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Acetyl CoA and choline, combined under the influence of choline acetyltransferase.
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What are the components required for acetylcholine synthesis?
Acetyl CoA and choline, combined under the influence of choline acetyltransferase.
What is the endplate potential (EPP)?
A postsynaptic depolarization caused by ion exchange after ACh binds to nicotinic receptors.
What is the neuromuscular junction?
A synapse between motor neurons and skeletal muscle that converts neuronal impulses into muscle contractions.
What neurotransmitter is released at the neuromuscular junction?
Acetylcholine (ACh).
Where is acetylcholine synthesized?
In the presynaptic terminal of the motor neuron.
What triggers the release of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft?
Calcium influx resulting from the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels after an action potential depolarizes the presynaptic terminal.
What happens when acetylcholine binds to nicotinic receptors?
The receptors undergo a conformational change, opening Na+/K+ ion channels, leading to postsynaptic depolarization.
What are miniature end plate potentials (MEPPs)?
Small depolarizations that can summate to generate a stronger endplate potential (EPP).
How does muscle contraction occur following the endplate potential?
The EPP generates an action potential that spreads to adjacent muscle fibers, resulting in muscle contraction.
What role does acetylcholinesterase (AChE) play at the neuromuscular junction?
It breaks down ACh into acetate and choline, facilitating the cessation of the neuromuscular signal.
What happens to recycled choline after ACh breakdown?
It is taken up by the presynaptic terminal for new acetylcholine synthesis.
