Neuromuscular Junction Worksheet
Explore the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction, including the roles of neurotransmitters and muscle contraction.
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Neuromuscular Junction Worksheet
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Refer to the provided diagram where necessary.
Observe the diagram of the neuromuscular junction below.
1. Label the following parts on the diagram:
a. Axon terminal
b. Synaptic cleft
c. Motor end plate
d. Acetylcholine receptors
2. What is the primary neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction?
Dopamine
Acetylcholine
Serotonin
GABA
3. What happens immediately after acetylcholine binds to its receptors on the motor end plate?
Calcium ions are released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Sodium ions rush into the muscle fiber, causing depolarization.
The muscle fiber relaxes.
Potassium ions exit the muscle fiber.
4. The space between the axon terminal and the motor end plate is called the .
5. Muscle contraction is initiated by the release of ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
6. The motor end plate is a specialized region of the neuron membrane.
True
False
7. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that prolongs the effect of acetylcholine.
True
False
8. Describe the sequence of events that leads to muscle fiber depolarization after an action potential arrives at the axon terminal.
9. Explain the role of calcium ions in muscle contraction following the events at the neuromuscular junction.