Ever wondered how your brain talks to your muscles? Explore the fascinating world of the neuromuscular junction with our interactive mind map!
Discover the intricate communication process that fuels movement and gain a deeper understanding of this vital biological pathway.
Here is a detailed comprehensive mind map of the physiology topic “Neuromuscular Junction”:
Central Idea: Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ)
Main Branches:
- Structure of NMJ
- Function of NMJ
- Physiology of Muscle Contraction
- Diseases and Pharmacology of NMJ
Sub-Branches:
1. Structure of NMJ
- Presynaptic Terminal
- Myelinated motor neuron
- Loss of myelin sheath
- Formation of nerve terminals (boutons)
- Active zones with SNAP proteins and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels
- Mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and synaptic vesicles (SVs)
- Synaptic Cleft/Junctional Cleft
- Space between nerve terminal and muscle plasma membrane
- Acetylcholinesterase enzyme for ACh catabolism
- Postsynaptic Motor End Plate
- Thickened portion of muscle plasma membrane (sarcolemma)
- Folded to form junctional folds
- Nicotinic ACh receptors concentrated at the top
2. Function of NMJ
- Neurotransmission
- Synthesis of ACh in presynaptic terminal
- Release of ACh into synaptic cleft
- Binding of ACh to nicotinic receptors on motor end plate
- Opening of ion channels and influx of sodium ions
- Generation of endplate potential and action potential
- Muscle Contraction
- Depolarization of sarcolemma
- Release of Ca2+ from sarcoplasmic reticulum
- Binding of Ca2+ to troponin and tropomyosin
- Conformational change and exposure of myosin binding sites
- Muscle contraction through actin-myosin interaction
3. Physiology of Muscle Contraction
- Sliding Filament Theory
- Excitation-contraction coupling
- Depolarization of sarcolemma and release of Ca2+
- Binding of Ca2+ to troponin and tropomyosin
- Conformational change and muscle contraction
- Sarcomere Structure and Function
- Thick and thin filaments
- Myosin cross-bridge cycle
- ATP hydrolysis and muscle contraction
- Regulation of Muscle Contraction
- Ca2+ regulation of muscle contraction
- ATP and creatine phosphate as energy sources
4. Diseases and Pharmacology of NMJ
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Autoimmune disorder affecting NMJ
- Antibodies against nicotinic ACh receptors
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Lambert-Eaton Syndrome
- Autoimmune disorder affecting NMJ
- Antibodies against voltage-gated Ca2+ channels
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Botulism
- Bacterial toxin affecting NMJ
- Inhibition of ACh release
- Muscle weakness and paralysis
- Pharmacology of NMJ
- Cholinesterase inhibitors
- Muscle relaxants
- Anesthetics and their effects on NMJ
This mind map provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, function, and physiology of the neuromuscular junction, as well as its role in muscle contraction and the diseases and pharmacology related to it.
