neuromuscular junctions

Question 1

what are they?

Answer 1

the junction between a neuron and a muscle fibre

Question 2

are they excitatory or inhibitory

Answer 2

ALWAYS excitatory

Question 3

the process is nearly identical to a synapse - what are the differences?

1. receptors
2. T-Tubules

Answer 3

1. there are more receptors on the post-synaptic membrane so an action potential is always triggered.
2. T-Tubules allow action potentials to reach the sarcoplamsic reticulum. This causes the release of Ca²ᐩ from the SR into the sarcoplasm down the concentration gradient