Figure 21-37Sequential activation of gated ion channels at a neuromuscular junction
Arrival of an action potential at the terminus of a presynaptic motor neuron induces opening of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (step 1) and subsequent release of acetylcholine, which triggers opening of the ligand-gated nicotinic receptors in the muscle plasma membrane (step 2). The resulting influx of Na+ produces a localized depolarization of the membrane, leading to opening of voltage-gated Na+ channels and generation of an action potential (step 3). When the spreading depolarization reaches T tubules, it triggers opening of voltage-gated Ca2+-release channels and release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum into the cytosol (step 4). The rise in cytosolic Ca2+ causes muscle contraction by mechanisms discussed in Section 18.4