Final answer:
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter released by motor neurons at the neuromuscular junction. It binds to receptors on the post-synaptic membrane and initiates muscle contraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter released by motor neurons at the neuromuscular junction. When an action potential travels down the motor neuron's axon, it causes an influx of calcium ions, which allows synaptic vesicles to release ACh into the synaptic cleft. ACh then binds to ACh receptors on the post-synaptic membrane, initiating the depolarization of the muscle cell and facilitating muscle contraction.