MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The synaptic cleft is the gap between the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic muscle membrane, which is filled with a specialized form of extracellular matrix called synaptic basal lamina (Sanes, 2003). This matrix is crucial for the alignment, organization and structural integrity of the NMJ.

Detailed explanation-2: -Synaptic Cleft / Junctional Cleft: The space between the nerve terminal and the plasma membrane of muscle is called synaptic/junctional cleft and measures ∼50 nm. It is the site where presynaptic neurotransmitters, ACh is released before it interacts with nicotinic ACh receptors on the motor endplate.

Detailed explanation-3: -There is a small gap between the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron and the membrane of the postsynaptic cell, and this gap is called the synaptic cleft.