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Chapter 53 - Synapses and the Neuromuscular Junction

from Section 4 - Neurophysiology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2019

David Chambers ,
Christopher Huang  and
Gareth Matthews
David Chambers
Affiliation:
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
Christopher Huang
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Gareth Matthews
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
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Summary

Chemical synapse, in which the signal is relayed by means of a chemical messenger called a neurotransmitter. Arrival of an action potential triggers neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft, a narrow (20–50‑nm) gap between the pre- and post-synaptic membranes, which excites or inhibits the postsynaptic cell. An example of a chemical synapse is the neuromuscular junction (NMJ): the terminal bouton of an α-motor neuron forms a synapse with the motor end plate of a skeletal muscle cell. Action potential transmissions at chemical synapses are typically unidirectional: the signal can only be transmitted from pre- to post-synaptic cells. Transmission of an action potential across a chemical synapse is associated with a synaptic delay, as it takes time for each of the processes of neurotransmitter release, diffusion and combination with postsynaptic receptors to occur.

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Basic Physiology for Anaesthetists , pp. 231 - 238
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2019

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References

Further reading

Hunter, J. M.. Reversal of residual neuromuscular block: complications associated with perioperative management of muscle relaxation. Br J Anaesth 2017; 119(Suppl. 1): i53–62.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Thevathasan, T., Shih, S. L., Safari, K. C., et al. Association between intraoperative non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent dose and 30-day readmission after abdominal surgery. Br J Anaesth 2017; 119(4): 595–605.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Naguib, M., Brull, S. J., Johnson, K. B.. Conceptual and technical insights into the basis of neuromuscular monitoring. Anaesthesia 2017; 72(Suppl. 1): 16–37.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Khirwadkar, R., Hunter, J. M.. Neuromuscular physiology and pharmacology: an update. Continuing Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain 2012; 12(5): 237–44.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Weir, C. J.. The molecular mechanisms of general anaesthesia: dissecting the GABAA receptor. Continuing Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain 2006; 6(2): 49–53.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Thavasothy, M., Hirsch, N.. Myasthena gravis. Continuing Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain 2002; 2(3): 88–90.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

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