Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Large-scale Three-dimensional Imaging of Cellular Organization in the Mouse Neocortex
Published on: September 5, 2018
Basal lamina and the organization of neuromuscular synapses
1Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L606, Portland, OR 97201, USA. pattonb@ohsu.edu
Abstract:
Fast chemical synapses are comprised of presynaptic and postsynaptic specializations precisely aligned across a protein-filled synaptic cleft. At the vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the synaptic cleft contains a structured form of extracellular matrix known as a basal lamina (BL). Synaptic BL is molecularly differentiated from the BL that covers the extrasynaptic region of the myofiber. This review summarizes current understanding of the morphology, composition, and function of the synaptic BL at the vertebrate NMJ. Considerable evidence supports the conclusion that the synaptic BL organizes and maintains pre- and postsynaptic specializations during development and regeneration, and promotes robust neurotransmission in the adult.
More Related Videos
08:41Dissection of Single Skeletal Muscle Fibers for Immunofluorescent and Morphometric Analyses of Whole-Mount Neuromuscular Junctions
Published on: August 14, 2021
08:42Visualizing the Morphological Characteristics of Neuromuscular Junction in Rat Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle
Published on: May 17, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Neuron Structure
Neuron Structure
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
Basal Lamina are the Specialized Form of ECM
Proteins...
Laminins are the Adhesive Proteins of Basal Lamina
In humans, the five forms of alpha chains are LAMA 1, LAMA 2, LAMA 3, LAMA 4, and LAMA 5. The four forms of beta chains are LAMB 1, LAMB 2, LAMB 3, and LAMB 4. The three forms of gamma...
Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade
The Neuromuscular Junction