Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025

Dissection of Single Skeletal Muscle Fibers for Immunofluorescent and Morphometric Analyses of Whole-Mount Neuromuscular Junctions
Published on: August 14, 2021
Structure and function of the neuromuscular junction in health and myasthenia gravis
Jaap J Plomp1, Richard G Webster2
1Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) connects a motor neuron to a skeletal muscle cell. Cholinergic synaptic transmission enables muscle contraction, which is crucial for survival. Although synaptic communication at the NMJ is robust, with an inherent safety margin, it becomes hampered in the neuro-immunological disorder myasthenia gravis (MG). The synaptic dysfunction underlies the (fatigable) muscle weakness, which hallmarks this disease. In this chapter, we will review normal NMJ physiology and the pathophysiological consequences of autoimmune attacks in MG, focusing on recent insights and developments.
More Related Videos
11:03Characterization of Neuromuscular Junctions in Mice by Combined Confocal and Super-Resolution Microscopy
Published on: December 8, 2021
12:18The Neuromuscular Junction: Measuring Synapse Size, Fragmentation and Changes in Synaptic Protein Density Using Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: December 26, 2014
Related Concept Videos
The Neuromuscular Junction
Chemical Synapses
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...
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
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...