Question
In the patellar tendon reflex, sensory axon terminals release the chemical transmitter __ on to dendrites of the alpha motor neuron that innervates the quadriceps muscle norepinephrine 7-amino butyric acid (GABA) glutamate acetylcholine
Answer
4
(300 Votes)
Ellie
Veteran · Tutor for 12 years
Answer
The correct answer is D, Acetylcholine.
Explanation
## Step 1The problem is asking for the type of chemical neurotransmitter that is released onto the alpha motor neuron during the patellar tendon reflex. This reflex is involved in facilitating muscle contraction in the quadriceps muscle. Each of the answer choices represents a different type of neurotransmitter found within the nervous system.## Step 2Analyzing each of the answer choices:1. Norepinephrine is implicated in mood disorders and is known for its role in waking from REM sleep. It's certainly an important neurotransmitter, but not really involved in muscle contraction at neuromuscular junctions.2. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the body's main inhibitory neurotransmitter, particularly in the brain where it plays a role in reducing neuronal excitability. However, it's not involved in the patellar reflex action.3. Glutamate is a key excitatory neurotransmitter that is important for neuropathic pain response and may be involved in motor neuron function at the spinal cord level.4. Acetylcholine is, in fact, the neurotransmitter released by motor neurons to communicate with their corresponding muscles, including the quadricep muscle in the patellar tendon reflex. It's released from the alpha motor neuron onto the muscle to generate a response.