MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The area of synaptic contact between motor neurons and their target muscle fibers is the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). This synapse occurs at a specialized area of the sarcolemma called the endplate (Figure 1).

Detailed explanation-2: -The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a synaptic connection between the terminal end of a motor nerve and a muscle (skeletal/ smooth/ cardiac). It is the site for the transmission of action potential from nerve to the muscle.

Detailed explanation-3: -Towards the end of the axon terminal, closest to the muscle fiber, the tip of the axon terminal enlarges and becomes known as the synaptic end bulb. It is the synaptic end bulb of the motor neuron that comprises the nervous system component of the neuromuscular junction.

Detailed explanation-4: -The axon terminal of a motor neuron “connects” with the muscle fiber at a place called the neuromuscular junction|], (In general, a motor neuron and the muscle fibers under its control are called a motor unit.)

Detailed explanation-5: -The neuromuscular junction is analogous to the synapse between two neurons. A nerve fibre divides into many terminal branches; each terminal ends on a region of muscle fibre called the end plate.