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Related Concept Videos

Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade01:29

Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade

The site of chemical communication between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber is called the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The end of the motor neuron at the NMJ divides into a cluster of synaptic end bulbs. The cytoplasm of these bulbs consists of synaptic vesicles enclosing acetylcholine molecules, the principal neurotransmitter released at the NMJ. The region opposite the synaptic bulb that ends in the muscle fiber is called the motor end plate, which has acetylcholine receptors. Within the...
Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
The Neuromuscular Junction01:19

The Neuromuscular Junction

The nervous system consists of complex motor neuron circuits, including upper motor neurons originating from the cerebral cortex and lower motor neurons starting in the spinal cord, coordinating both voluntary and involuntary movements. Among these, somatic motor neurons activate skeletal muscles and are classified into alpha, beta, and gamma types. Alpha neurons are vital for voluntary movement coordination, while gamma neurons adjust muscle spindle sensitivity, and the function of beta...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll01:11

Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Dissection of Single Skeletal Muscle Fibers for Immunofluorescent and Morphometric Analyses of Whole-Mount Neuromuscular Junctions
08:41

Dissection of Single Skeletal Muscle Fibers for Immunofluorescent and Morphometric Analyses of Whole-Mount Neuromuscular Junctions

Published on: August 14, 2021

Neuromuscular junction dysfunction in Miller Fisher syndrome.

M P Silverstein1, S Zimnowodzki, J C Rucker

  • 1Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.

Seminars in Ophthalmology
|April 25, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), a Guillain-Barre variant, can involve impaired neuromuscular transmission, not just nerve demyelination. This case highlights MFS presenting with features mimicking myasthenia gravis, confirmed by anti-GQ1b antibodies.

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Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Dissection of Single Skeletal Muscle Fibers for Immunofluorescent and Morphometric Analyses of Whole-Mount Neuromuscular Junctions
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Published on: August 14, 2021

Characterization of Neuromuscular Junctions in Mice by Combined Confocal and Super-Resolution Microscopy
11:03

Characterization of Neuromuscular Junctions in Mice by Combined Confocal and Super-Resolution Microscopy

Published on: December 8, 2021

Measuring Neuromuscular Junction Functionality
10:40

Measuring Neuromuscular Junction Functionality

Published on: August 6, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroimmunology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

Background:

  • Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome characterized by ophthalmoparesis, ataxia, and areflexia.
  • The established pathophysiology of MFS involves peripheral nerve demyelination.
  • Neuromuscular junction transmission is typically not considered a primary feature of MFS.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with binocular diplopia and a 15-year history of myasthenia gravis.
  • Electrophysiology showed a decremental response on repetitive nerve stimulation, indicative of myasthenia gravis.
  • However, the presence of pupillary light-near dissociation and areflexia, along with positive anti-GQ1b antibodies, confirmed MFS.

Findings:

  • This case demonstrates that impaired neuromuscular transmission can be a feature of Miller Fisher syndrome.
  • The patient's presentation mimicked recurrent myasthenia gravis, complicating the diagnosis of MFS.
  • Anti-GQ1b antibodies were crucial in confirming the MFS diagnosis despite electrophysiologic findings.

Implications:

  • The findings suggest a broader spectrum of MFS pathophysiology, including neuromuscular junction dysfunction.
  • Recognizing neuromuscular transmission abnormalities in MFS is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.
  • Further research into the role of neuromuscular junction in MFS is warranted.