The motor neuron carries the nerve impulse.
β
The nerve impulse reaches the neuromuscular junction.
β
Calcium ions release into the myofibrils.
β
Myosin and actin protein filaments attach to each other.
β
Myosin filaments pull on the actin filaments.
β
The sarcomere shortens.
The neurotransmitter (ACh) from motor neurons signals a muscle fiber to depolarize. The depolarization (Na+) will trigger Ca++ release and will initiate contraction by binding to troponin. Myosin pulls the actin strands. ATP sustains the contraction.