Biology 2010 Student Edition

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 9780133669510
ISBN 13: 978-0-13366-951-0

Chapter 32, Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary Systems - Assessment - 32.2 The Muscular System - Understand Key Concepts - Page 942: 17

Answer

When a motor neuron is stimulated, it secretes acetylcholine into the neuromuscular junction, which is the region where the motor neuron meets the muscle cell. Acetylcholine initiates an action potential in the muscle cell, releasing calcium ions inside the fiber. This release of calcium ions causes actin and myosin filaments to form cross-bridges, causing contractions of the muscle fibers.

Work Step by Step

When a motor neuron is stimulated, it secretes acetylcholine into the neuromuscular junction, which is the region where the motor neuron meets the muscle cell. Acetylcholine initiates an action potential in the muscle cell, releasing calcium ions inside the fiber. This release of calcium ions causes actin and myosin filaments to form cross-bridges, causing contractions of the muscle fibers.
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