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Related Concept Videos

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants01:28

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

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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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Muscle Contraction01:15

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Muscle Contraction01:10

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In skeletal muscles, acetylcholine is released by nerve terminals at the motor endplate—the point of synaptic communication between motor neurons and muscle fibers. The binding of acetylcholine to its receptors on the sarcolemma allows entry of sodium ions into the cell and triggers an action potential in the muscle cell. Thus, electrical signals from the brain are transmitted to the muscle. Subsequently, the enzyme acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine to prevent excessive...
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Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade01:29

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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...
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Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

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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...
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Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

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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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Membrane Potentials, Synaptic Responses, Neuronal Circuitry, Neuromodulation and Muscle Histology Using the Crayfish: Student Laboratory Exercises
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Membrane Potentials, Synaptic Responses, Neuronal Circuitry, Neuromodulation and Muscle Histology Using the Crayfish: Student Laboratory Exercises

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Neurogenic muscle cramps.

Hans D Katzberg1

  • 1University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, hans.katzberg@utoronto.ca.

Journal of Neurology
|February 13, 2015
PubMed
Summary

This review details neurogenic muscle cramps, covering their causes, diagnostic approaches, and treatments. It highlights various therapeutic options for managing these painful muscle contractions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Muscle Physiology

Background:

  • Muscle cramps are common, painful, sustained muscle contractions affecting various populations.
  • Neurogenic muscle cramps are often linked to underlying physiological triggers or medical conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review on the mechanisms, investigation, and treatment of neurogenic muscle cramps.
  • To synthesize current evidence on the pathogenesis and management of these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase databases (1980-2014).
  • Inclusion of English-language human studies.
  • Assessment of study evidence levels using the American Academy of Neurology classification (I-IV).

Main Results:

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  • Pathogenesis involves mechanical disruption, ephaptic transmission, sensory afferent disruption, and persistent inward currents.
  • Investigations focus on identifying physiological triggers and predisposing medical conditions.
  • Evidence supports lifestyle modifications, treating underlying conditions, stretching, and specific medications (e.g., B-complex vitamins, diltiazem, mexiletine, carbamazepine, tetrahydrocannabinoid, levetiracetam, quinine sulfate).

Conclusions:

  • Disabling muscle cramps warrant investigation for underlying medical causes.
  • A range of interventions, from lifestyle changes to pharmacotherapy, show evidence for treating neurogenic muscle cramps.