neuromuscular junction

Term ID

GO:0031594

Synonyms

• motor endplate
• NMJ

Definition

The junction between the axon of a motor neuron and a muscle fiber. In response to the arrival of action potentials, the presynaptic button releases molecules of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These diffuse across the cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane of the muscle fiber, leading to a change in post-synaptic potential.

References

• NIF_Subcellular:sao1124888485
• Wikipedia:Neuromuscular_junction

Ontology

GO: Cellular Component    QuickGO    AmiGO