What are the similarities/differences between neuromuscular junctions and cholinergic synapses?

There are many similarities between these two structures, the main differences are: Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is between a neurone and a muscle. A synapse is neurone-neurone.Neuromuscular junctions are only ever excitatory whereas a synapse can be excitatory or inhibitory. Neuromuscular junctions use T-tubules to carry the signal quickly, synapses don't.
Similarities:They both use acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter and therefore acetylcholinesterase to prevent constant impulses.They are both triggered by action potentials on the pre-synaptic membrane.Depolarisation occurs on the post-synaptic membrane to cause a response

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

(a) (i) Give a biological molecule that contains: 1. nitrogen 2. phosphorous (ii) Describe the role of microorganisms in producing nitrates from the remains of dead organims.


What is the differences between respiration and breathing?


What affects enzyme activity?


What is genetic dominance?