Similar to neurons, muscles have a resting membrane potential, and can carry action potentials that lead to the contraction of the muscle. Muscles and neurons have neuromuscular junctions, this is where an axon terminal has a type of synapse with a muscle cell. 1. Explain how it is possible that the same neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, causes different effects on voluntary skeletal muscle tissue and cardiac muscle tissues. Note, a complete answer will discuss changes in membrane potential (hyperpolarization vs. depolarization), and how that change occurs (what ions are flowing and in what direction).
2. For each type of muscle (cardiac vs. skeletal) identify the subdivision of the nervous system that is releasing acetylcholine.