Acetylcholine Release at Neuromuscular Junction (ACh Release (NMJ))

Acetylcholine (ACh) release at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a critical process for translating motor neuron signals into muscle contraction. It involves the calcium-dependent exocytosis of ACh from presynaptic vesicles, diffusion across the synaptic cleft, binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on the muscle fiber, and subsequent depolarization leading to an action potential and muscle contraction. The process is tightly regulated and terminated by acetylcholinesterase. Disruptions can lead to various neuromuscular disorders.

Other names

Acetylcholine exocytosis at NMJACh synaptic transmission at neuromuscular junctionNeuromuscular transmissionMotor neuron ACh release

Release of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft, binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the muscle fiber, leading to depolarization and muscle contraction.