Mon Prof Augmenté
Blocked receptors at a nerve-muscle junction
Open to everyone until Monday, October 5
To keep it, print it while it is open.
Curare blocks acetylcholine receptors on muscle fibres. The muscle fibres cannot contract, so the muscle stays relaxed.
In the picture
- Nerve tip: releases small signalling molecules into the gap.
- Synaptic gap: narrow space crossed by the signalling molecules.
- Receptor on the muscle fibre: site where acetylcholine normally binds.
- Blocked receptor: a molecule occupies the receptor so acetylcholine cannot bind.
- Muscle fibre bands: stay smooth and slack because contraction is prevented.
Examples
- A muscle relaxant used during surgery keeps muscles still.
- A poisoned blowpipe dart can paralyse an animal by blocking muscle signals.
Key takeaways
- Curare blocks acetylcholine receptors on muscle fibres.
- Blocked receptors stop muscle contraction, so the muscle remains relaxed.
Carry on in the app
Three questions on this lesson, to check the idea stuck. Free in the app while the lesson is in the free week.
At least one new illustrated lesson every weekday for your child’s year, with its quiz and a reminder at 6:15 pm.
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