Question

The acetylcholine from the somatic nervous system binds to muscle nicotinic (NM) receptors in the NMJ of skeletal muscle. What is the function of these receptors?

1) To initiate muscle contraction
2) To inhibit muscle contraction
3) To regulate muscle growth
4) To transmit pain signals

Answer 1

Nicotinic receptors in the neuromuscular junction of skeletal muscle initiate muscle contraction by binding to acetylcholine from the somatic nervous system.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nicotinic receptors in the neuromuscular junction of skeletal muscle bind with acetylcholine from the somatic nervous system. The function of these receptors is to initiate muscle contraction. Acetylcholine binding to the receptors opens ligand-gated ion channels, allowing cations to move across the sarcolemma and depolarize it, which leads to muscle contraction.