The events that take place at the neuromuscular junction:

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized synapse that serves as the connection
point between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber. This junction plays a crucial role in helping
voluntary muscle movement by transmitting signals from the nervous system to muscles. The
events at the neuromuscular junction are crucial for muscle contraction. (Katy McLaughlin,
2020)

The process begins with the initiation of a nerve impulse in the motor neuron. Nerve
impulses, also known as action potentials, are electrical signals that travel along the length of
the neuron. These impulses are created when the neuron receives a stimulus, often from other
neurons or sensory receptors. When the action potential contacts the axon terminal of the
motor neuron, it marks the beginning of signal transmission to the muscle fibre. (New Health
Advisor, 2015)

As the action potential reaches the axon terminal of the motor neuron, initiating the release of
neurotransmitters, order of events are set in motion. Voltage-gated calcium channels in the
neuron's membrane open, allowing calcium ions (Ca2+) to flow into the axon terminal. This
rise in calcium concentration leads to the fusion of synaptic vesicles stored within the
neuron's axon terminal. (New Health Advisor, 2015)

The synaptic vesicles contain a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (ACh). The increased
calcium concentration causes these vesicles to merge with the neuron's cell membrane,
releasing ACh into the synaptic cleft. (Katy McLaughlin, 2020)

Acetylcholine molecules diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to specific receptor sites
on the muscle fiber's membrane, known as the sarcolemma. These receptors are called
nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. When ACh binds to these receptors, it starts a response
within the muscle fiber. (Katy McLaughlin, 2020)

The binding of ACh to its receptors on the sarcolemma initiates a series of events within the
muscle fiber. Specifically, it leads to the opening of sodium (Na+) channels in the
sarcolemma. This causes an influx of sodium ions into the muscle fiber, following that is a
change in the electrical charge across the membrane, known as depolarization. (Katy
McLaughlin, 2020)

The initial depolarization at the site of ACh binding spreads rapidly across the entire
sarcolemma and deep into the muscle fiber through structures called T-tubules. The T-tubules
are invaginations of the sarcolemma that allow the action potential to penetrate deep into
the muscle fiber. (Katy McLaughlin, 2020)

The action potential traveling along the T-tubules reaches a network of membranes within the
muscle cell known as the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Voltage-sensitive proteins in the SR
are stimulated by the action potential, leading to the release of stored calcium ions (Ca2+)
into the muscle cell's cytoplasm, known as the sarcoplasm. (New Health Advisor, 2015)

The released calcium ions in the sarcoplasm bind to troponin molecules on the actin
filaments. This binding causes a structural change in the troponin-tropomyosin complex,
revealing binding sites on the actin filaments for myosin heads. The myosin heads then bind
to the actin filaments, forming cross-bridges and initiating the sliding filament theory of
muscle contraction. (New Health Advisor, 2015)

To prevent continuous muscle contraction, the signal must be terminated. Acetylcholine in

the synaptic cleft is quickly broken down by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, guaranteeing
that the ACh is removed. This breakdown of ACh prevents further stimulation of the muscle
fiber, allowing it to relax.( Katy McLaughlin, 2020)

References:

1. Ph.D, K.M. (2020). "Neuromuscular Junction." Biology Dictionary. Retrieved [31

August 2023], from https://biologydictionary.net/neuromuscular-junction/.
2. New Health Advisor. (2015). "Neuromuscular Junction Structure and Functions."
Retrieved [26 August 2023], from
https://www.newhealthadvisor.org/Neuromuscular-Junction.html.
3. www.nagwa.com . (n.d.). "Describing the Series of Events at a Neuromuscular
Junction." Retrieved [2 September 2023], from
https://www.nagwa.com/en/videos/247108130125/.