Motor end-plate

Definition

The motor end-plate is a specialized region on the surface of a muscle fiber where it receives signals from a motor neuron. This area is crucial for the initiation of muscle contraction following the transmission of a nerve impulse.

Related terms

Neuromuscular Junction:

A synapse between a motor neuron and skeletal muscle fiber, enabling nerve impulses to be transmitted to the muscle.

Acetylcholine:

A neurotransmitter that motor neurons release to stimulate skeletal muscles at the neuromuscular junction.

Synaptic Cleft:

The small gap between the neuron and muscle fiber at the neuromuscular junction through which neurotransmitters are released