Neuromuscular junction image

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neuromuscular junction motor end plate acetylcholine

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Here are three high-quality neuromuscular junction images from Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology:

Figure A - Scanning Electron Micrograph

NMJ scanning electron micrograph - branching motor axons with terminals embedded in grooves on the muscle fiber surface

Scanning electron micrograph showing branching of motor axons with their terminals embedded in grooves on the muscle fiber surface.

Figure B - Structural Diagram of the NMJ

NMJ structural diagram showing motor nerve fiber, myelin, axon terminal, Schwann cell, synaptic vesicles containing ACh, active zone, sarcolemma, synaptic cleft, junctional folds, and nicotinic receptors

Structure of the neuromuscular junction showing the key anatomical components: motor nerve fiber, myelin sheath, axon terminal with synaptic vesicles (containing ACh), Schwann cell cap, active zones, synaptic cleft, junctional folds of the sarcolemma, and nicotinic receptor regions.

Figure C - Transmission Events at the NMJ

NMJ transmission events numbered 1-8: motor neuron action potential, Ca2+ entry, ACh release, Na+ entry, local current, muscle fiber action potential initiation, propagated action potential, and ACh degradation

The sequence of events at the NMJ leading to muscle fiber activation:

Motor neuron action potential arrives
Ca²+ entry via voltage-gated channels
ACh release by exocytosis
Na+ entry through nicotinic receptors
Local current between depolarized endplate and adjacent membrane
Muscle fiber action potential initiation
Propagated action potential along the muscle plasma membrane
ACh degradation by acetylcholinesterase

Source: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Figure 6-11 and 6-12.

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