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Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue
Hoehn - Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12th edition
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksHoehn, Haynes, Abbott 12th EditionCh. 9 Muscles and Muscle TissueProblem 17
Chapter 9, Problem 17

What is the importance of acetylcholinesterase in muscle cell contraction?

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1
Understand that acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme located in the synaptic cleft between the motor neuron and the muscle cell membrane (sarcolemma).
Recognize that acetylcholinesterase's primary role is to break down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) after it has transmitted the nerve impulse to the muscle cell.
Know that by breaking down acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase stops the continuous stimulation of the muscle cell, which is essential for muscle relaxation.
Realize that without acetylcholinesterase, acetylcholine would remain in the synaptic cleft, causing prolonged muscle contraction or muscle fatigue.
Conclude that acetylcholinesterase is crucial for regulating the timing of muscle contraction and relaxation, allowing muscles to contract only when needed and then relax properly.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Role of Acetylcholine in Muscle Contraction

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction that binds to receptors on muscle cells, triggering an electrical signal that initiates muscle contraction. Its presence is essential for transmitting the nerve impulse to the muscle fiber.
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Steps of Muscle Contraction Example 3

Function of Acetylcholinesterase

Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, terminating the signal between the nerve and muscle. This breakdown prevents continuous stimulation, allowing the muscle to relax after contraction.
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Functional Groups

Regulation of Muscle Contraction and Relaxation

Proper muscle function depends on the balance between acetylcholine release and its breakdown by acetylcholinesterase. Without acetylcholinesterase, acetylcholine would accumulate, causing prolonged contraction or muscle fatigue, highlighting its importance in muscle control.
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Steps of Muscle Contraction Example 1
Related Practice
Textbook Question

The smooth muscle type found in the walls of digestive and urinary system organs and that exhibits gap junctions and pacemaker cells is:

a. Multi unit

b. Unitary

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Textbook Question

Name and describe the four special functional abilities of muscle that are the basis for muscle response.

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Textbook Question

Distinguish between

a. Direct and indirect muscle attachments and

b. A tendon and an aponeurosis

Textbook Question

Explain what is meant by the term excitation-contraction coupling.

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Textbook Question

True or false: Most muscles contain a predominance of one skeletal muscle fiber type. Explain the reasoning behind your choice.

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Textbook Question

Define and draw a motor unit.

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