Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

9. Muscle Tissue

Steps of Muscle Contraction

Anatomy & Physiology

9. Muscle Tissue

Steps of Muscle Contraction

Previous problemNext problem

2:43 minutes

Problem 10

Textbook Question

The neurotransmitter released by somatic motor neurons is:
a. Acetylcholine
b. Acetylcholinesterase
c. Norepinephrine

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of somatic motor neurons. Somatic motor neurons are responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, enabling voluntary movement.

Step 2: Recall the primary neurotransmitter used by somatic motor neurons. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses. Somatic motor neurons specifically use a neurotransmitter to activate skeletal muscle fibers.

Step 3: Identify the neurotransmitter involved in neuromuscular junctions. At the neuromuscular junction, somatic motor neurons release a neurotransmitter that binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, initiating muscle contraction.

Step 4: Differentiate between acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter released by somatic motor neurons, while acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine after it has performed its function.

Step 5: Exclude norepinephrine as an option. Norepinephrine is primarily associated with the autonomic nervous system and is not the neurotransmitter released by somatic motor neurons.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another. They play a crucial role in communication within the nervous system, influencing various physiological processes and behaviors. Different neurotransmitters have specific functions and are released in response to electrical impulses in neurons.

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is primarily involved in muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction, where it binds to receptors on muscle cells, triggering movement. Acetylcholine is also important for cognitive functions such as memory and learning.

Somatic Motor Neurons

Somatic motor neurons are responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, facilitating voluntary movement. These neurons release acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, which is essential for muscle contraction. Understanding their function is vital for comprehending how the nervous system controls movement.