MYONEURAL JUNCTION Meaning and
Definition
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The myoneural junction, also known as the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), is a specialized synapse where a nerve fiber connects with a muscle fiber. It is a vital component of the peripheral nervous system that allows for the transfer of information between motor neurons and muscle cells, enabling muscle contractions and movement.
At the myoneural junction, the nerve fiber releases a chemical neurotransmitter called acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft, a small gap between the nerve and muscle fibers. Acetylcholine then binds to specific receptors on the muscle fiber membrane, initiating a series of events that result in muscle contraction. The binding of acetylcholine to these receptors opens ion channels in the muscle membrane, allowing the influx of sodium ions. This influx generates an action potential that spreads across the muscle fiber, triggering the release of calcium ions from intracellular stores, and ultimately leading to the contraction of muscle fibers.
The myoneural junction plays a critical role in the control of voluntary and involuntary muscle movements. Disorders or disruptions at this junction can lead to various neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis, in which the communication between nerve and muscle fibers is impaired, resulting in muscle weakness and fatigue.
Understanding the functioning of the myoneural junction has important clinical implications, as it forms the basis for therapies targeting neuromuscular disorders and guides the development of drugs that specifically modulate neurotransmission at this synapse.
Common Misspellings for MYONEURAL JUNCTION
- nyoneural junction
- kyoneural junction
- jyoneural junction
- mtoneural junction
- mgoneural junction
- mhoneural junction
- muoneural junction
- m7oneural junction
- m6oneural junction
- myineural junction
- mykneural junction
- mylneural junction
- mypneural junction
- my0neural junction
- my9neural junction
- myobeural junction
- myomeural junction
- myojeural junction
- myoheural junction
Etymology of MYONEURAL JUNCTION
The word "myoneural junction" is derived from the combination of three components:
1. "Myo": This component comes from the Greek word "mys" (μῦς), which means "muscle". It is also related to the Greek word "myo-" (μυο-), which refers to muscle or muscular.
2. "Neural": This component is derived from the Greek word "neuron" (νεῦρον), meaning "nerve". It is often used in scientific and medical terminology to indicate a relation to nerves or the nervous system.
3. "Junction": This term is borrowed from the Latin word "junctio", which means "joining" or "connection". It signifies the point at which two or more things meet or connect.
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