| Term: | motor neuron neuromuscular junction |
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| Note: | This page represents a term created by the combination ("post-composition") of two ontology terms. For more information on the individual terms, click the hyperlinked name. |
| Name: | motor neuron |
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| Synonyms: | motoneuron |
| Definition: | An efferent neuron that passes from the central nervous system or a ganglion toward or to a muscle and conducts an impulse that causes movement. |
| Ontology: | Anatomy Ontology [ZFA:0009052] |
| Name: | neuromuscular junction |
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| Synonyms: | motor endplate, NMJ |
| Definition: | The junction between the axon of a motor neuron and a muscle fiber. In response to the arrival of action potentials, the presynaptic button releases molecules of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These diffuse across the cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane of the muscle fiber, leading to a change in post-synaptic potential. |
| Ontology: | GO: Cellular Component [GO:0031594] QuickGO AmiGO |