Motor end plate

Motor end plate is the large and complex terminal formation by which the axon of a motor neuron establishes synaptic contact with a striated muscle fiber (cell). It is also known as the motor plate. The motor end plate is the neuro-muscular (myoneural) junction, which is equivalent to a synapse.

Structure

The motor end plate is the terminal of a motor neuron that makes a synaptic connection with a muscle fiber. It is a specialized part of the sarcolemma (muscle cell membrane) that contains acetylcholine receptors. These receptors are activated by the release of acetylcholine from the motor neuron.

Function

The primary function of the motor end plate is to convert the neural signal (action potential) into a muscular action (muscle contraction). This is achieved through the release of acetylcholine from the motor neuron, which binds to the acetylcholine receptors on the motor end plate, causing an influx of sodium ions into the muscle fiber. This influx of sodium ions generates an action potential in the muscle fiber, leading to muscle contraction.

Clinical significance

Damage to the motor end plate can lead to a variety of neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis, which is characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of the voluntary muscles. In this condition, the body's immune system attacks the acetylcholine receptors on the motor end plate, reducing the number of available receptors and impairing muscle contraction.

See also

• Neuromuscular junction
• Acetylcholine receptor
• Myasthenia gravis

References

Motor end plate Resources
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