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Related Concept Videos

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

1.6K
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...
1.6K
Muscle Contraction01:10

Muscle Contraction

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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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Muscle Contraction01:15

Muscle Contraction

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Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles01:29

Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles

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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....
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Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

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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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Motor Unit Stimulation01:20

Motor Unit Stimulation

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When the neuron of a motor unit fires an action potential, it triggers a series of events, leading to a twitch contraction in the muscle fibers. The process of excitation-contraction coupling is crucial in relaying the action potential to the muscle fibers.
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Extraction of the EPP Component from the Surface EMG
07:16

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Episodic Muscle Disorders.

Valeria A Sansone

    Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.)
    |December 4, 2019
    PubMed
    Summary

    This review covers episodic muscle disorders like periodic paralysis and nondystrophic myotonias, detailing diagnostic criteria and management strategies. Recent advances include new FDA-approved treatments and genetic discoveries for these rare conditions.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Muscle Physiology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Episodic muscle disorders encompass a range of conditions including benign cramp-fasciculation syndrome, periodic paralyses, and nondystrophic myotonias.
    • Accurate diagnosis relies on understanding core criteria for primary periodic paralysis, differentiating hypokalemic and hyperkalemic forms, and recognizing Andersen-Tawil syndrome.

    Observation:

    • Recent literature highlights childhood presentations of periodic paralysis with atypical features.
    • Muscle Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is emerging as a valuable outcome measure in clinical trials for periodic paralysis.

    Findings:

    • The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as dichlorphenamide, for treating both hypokalemic and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis.

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  • Ongoing genetic research continues to identify novel gene mutations implicated in the pathogenesis of periodic paralysis.

    • Implications:

    • This review provides neurologists with essential information for diagnosing and managing episodic muscle disorders, particularly periodic paralyses and nondystrophic myotonias.
    • Understanding genetic underpinnings and therapeutic advancements is crucial for improving patient outcomes in these rare neuromuscular conditions.