Neurophysiology of the neuromuscular junction: overview.
This manuscript reviews the physiology of neuromuscular transmission with emphasis on four features: (1) the structure of the neuromuscular junction, (2) release of vesicles of acetylcholine from the nerve terminal, (3) the roles of postsynaptic Na(+) channels and acetylcholine receptors in converting the chemical signal from the nerve terminal into a propagated action potential on the muscle fiber, and (4) the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission. It also introduces new information about how the neuromuscular junction maintains physiological integrity during muscle fiber stretch and contraction.
Neurology Service and Rehabilitation and SCI&D Care Line, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, and Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. robert.ruff@med.va.gov
Robert L
RL
Ruff
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D019706:Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials; D006801:Humans; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D009411:Nerve Endings / Q000502:physiology; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D000109:Acetylcholine