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Related Concept Videos

Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles01:29

Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles

The period of muscle contraction primarily influences the duration of stimulation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the presence of free calcium ions in the sarcoplasm, and the availability of energy or ATP to support contractions.
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open.
Atomic Nuclei: Types of Nuclear Relaxation01:28

Atomic Nuclei: Types of Nuclear Relaxation

Nuclear relaxation restores the equilibrium population imbalance and can occur via spin–lattice or spin–spin mechanisms, which are first-order exponential decay processes.
In spin–lattice or longitudinal relaxation, the excited spins exchange energy with the surrounding lattice as they return to the lower energy level. Among several mechanisms that contribute to spin–lattice relaxation, magnetic dipolar interactions are significant. Here, the excited nucleus transfers energy to a nearby...
Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison01:09

Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison

Skeletal muscle relaxants can target the central nervous system [CNS] to reduce muscle tension or act directly at the neuromuscular junction to induce temporary paralysis. These two classes of muscle relaxants are called centrally acting muscle relaxants and peripherally acting muscle relaxants. They differ in their action, mechanism, administration route, and clinical uses.
Centrally acting muscle relaxants can be further divided into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic drugs,...
Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:24

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Centrally acting muscle relaxants reduce muscle tone and tension by interfering with the postsynaptic reflexes in the central nervous system.
Centrally acting drugs are classified into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic drugs such as baclofen, diazepam, and tizanidine inhibit spinal motor neurons and decrease muscle tone. Spasmolytic drugs are administered for severe and chronic spasms due to multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, and spinal cord and muscle injuries. However,...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants01:28

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that can reduce muscle stiffness and induce temporary paralysis to relieve pain. These agents can act centrally to reduce muscle tone or spasms in painful conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or spinal injuries; they are called antispasmodics or spasmolytics.
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Mechanical Control of Relaxation Using Intact Cardiac Trabeculae
07:51

Mechanical Control of Relaxation Using Intact Cardiac Trabeculae

Published on: February 17, 2023

Relaxation: molecular and physiological significance.

George B Stefano1, Gregory L Fricchione, Tobias Esch

  • 1Neuroscience Research Institute, State University of New York College at Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA. gstefano@sunynri.org

Medical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research
|August 31, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Researchers propose a molecular relaxation process involving neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. Nitric oxide and morphine signaling are key, influencing catecholamine pathways for potential therapeutic applications in patient care.

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Last Updated: Jul 20, 2026

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Published on: February 17, 2023

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Relaxation is a complex physiological state.
  • Understanding the molecular underpinnings of relaxation is crucial for therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate a molecular process for relaxation.
  • To investigate the roles of specific neurotransmitters in relaxation mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established molecular and physiological processes.
  • Analysis of central and peripheral nervous system mechanisms.
  • Examination of norepinephrine, nitric oxide, dopamine, and morphine signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • Nitric oxide and morphine significantly influence catecholamine processes.
  • These effects span catecholamine synthesis, release, and actions.
  • Evidence supports a molecular basis for relaxation phenomena.

Conclusions:

  • Sufficient scientific evidence exists to support molecular relaxation processes.
  • These processes can be potentially harnessed for improved patient care.
  • Further research into neurotransmitter signaling can advance therapeutic strategies.