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Multiple Choice
What are the folds in the sarcolemma at the neuromuscular junction called?
A
Z discs
B
Myofibrils
C
Motor end plate
D
T-tubules
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the anatomy of the neuromuscular junction: The neuromuscular junction is the site where a motor neuron communicates with a muscle fiber to initiate contraction. It includes the axon terminal of the neuron, the synaptic cleft, and the specialized region of the muscle fiber's sarcolemma.
Learn the structure of the sarcolemma at the neuromuscular junction: The sarcolemma is the plasma membrane of a muscle fiber. At the neuromuscular junction, the sarcolemma has specialized folds called the motor end plate. These folds increase the surface area for acetylcholine receptors, which are essential for signal transmission.
Differentiate the terms provided in the question: Z discs are structural components of the sarcomere, not related to the neuromuscular junction. Myofibrils are the contractile units within muscle fibers. T-tubules are invaginations of the sarcolemma that help propagate action potentials deep into the muscle fiber. None of these terms describe the folds at the neuromuscular junction.
Focus on the correct term: The motor end plate is the specialized region of the sarcolemma at the neuromuscular junction. It contains folds that house acetylcholine receptors, facilitating the transmission of signals from the motor neuron to the muscle fiber.
Conclude the explanation: The folds in the sarcolemma at the neuromuscular junction are called the motor end plate. This structure is critical for efficient communication between the nervous system and the muscular system.