End-plate potential

End-Plate Potential

End-plate potential (EPP) (/ɛnd pleɪt pəˈtɛnʃəl/), is a term used in neurophysiology to describe the depolarization of skeletal muscle that occurs at the neuromuscular junction due to the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Etymology

The term "end-plate" refers to the specialized part of the muscle fiber membrane at the neuromuscular junction. "Potential" in this context refers to the electrical potential difference across the membrane.

Definition

The end-plate potential is the shift in electrical charge that occurs when acetylcholine is released from the motor neuron. This release is triggered by an action potential reaching the end of the motor neuron. The acetylcholine binds to receptors on the muscle fiber, causing an influx of sodium ions, which leads to a change in the electrical potential across the muscle fiber membrane. This change is the end-plate potential.

Related Terms

• Action potential
• Neuromuscular junction
• Acetylcholine
• Motor neuron
• Sodium ions

See Also

• Membrane potential
• Neurotransmission
• Muscle contraction

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on End-plate potential
• Wikipedia's article - End-plate potential

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