Final answer:
At the NMJ, acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter released and it binds to the acetylcholine receptors, also known as ligand-gated ion channels, leading to muscle cell depolarization and contraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The receptors for the neurotransmitter that is released at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are acetylcholine receptors, which are also known as ligand-gated ion channels. These receptors open to allow select ions through, such as sodium, calcium, and potassium, when acetylcholine (ACh) binds to them.
The neurotransmitter released at the NMJ is acetylcholine, not norepinephrine or serotonin. When acetylcholine binds to its receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, it leads to the depolarization of the muscle cell, resulting in muscle contraction.
- Acetylcholine receptors
- Ligand-gated ion channels
- Voltage-gated channels (incorrect for this context)