MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The neuromuscular junction-where nerves and muscle fibers meet-is an essential synapse for muscle contraction and movement. Improper function of these junctions can lead to the development of progressive neuromuscular diseases, some of which have no effective treatment (like Lou Gehrig’s disease).

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.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-4: -The process of muscle contraction begins at the site where a motor neuron’s terminal meets the muscle fiber-called the neuromuscular junction (NMJ).

Detailed explanation-5: -The motor neurons release a chemical, which is picked up by the muscle fibre. This tells the muscle fibre to contract, which makes the muscles move. Neurons carry messages from the brain via the spinal cord. These messages are carried to the muscles which tell the muscle fibre to contract, which makes the muscles move.