15.1.8

Cholinergic Synnapses

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Cholinergic Synapses

Synapses that use acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter are called cholinergic synapses. Although acetylcholine is also used at a neuromuscular junction, there are some key differences:

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Types of postsynaptic cell

  • Cholinergic synapses are between two neurones.
  • Neuromuscular junctions are between a motor neurone and a muscle cell.
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Number of receptors

  • There are less receptors in the postsynaptic membrane at a cholinergic synapse than at a neuromuscular junction.
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Type of response

  • A cholinergic synapse can trigger an inhibitory or excitatory response in the postsynaptic membrane.
  • An action potential at a neuromuscular junction always triggers an excitatory response in the muscle cell.
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Result of depolarisation

  • In a cholinergic synapse, depolarisation of the postsynaptic membrane results in an action potential.
  • At a neuromuscular junction, depolarisation of the postsynaptic membrane results in muscle contraction.
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Acetylcholinesterase

  • Acetylcholinesterase is the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine after it has bound to the receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.
    • In cholinergic synapses, the enzyme is located in the synaptic cleft.
    • At a neuromuscular junction, the enzyme is stored in clefts in the postsynaptic membrane.

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