Explain the autoimmune mechanism of myasthenia gravis (MG)
What will be an ideal response
In normal skeletomuscular movement, a nerve cell is stimulated to send a signal to the corresponding muscle. The
neurotransmitter acetylcholine is released from the motor end plate of the neuron and it travels across the synapse
to bind to the acetylcholine receptor on the muscle, causing the muscle to move. In MG, the subject produces
antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor, blocking acetylcholine binding, eventually destroying all the receptors on
the skeletal muscles and making repeated stimulation by nerve cells ineffective. Thus, MG is characterized by
progressive weakness skeletal muscles and eventual paralysis.
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Heart block occurs when the atria and ventricles contract independent of each other
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
Which of the following does not describe B-cell receptors?
a. B-cell receptors are membrane-bound and secreted. b. B-cell receptors consist of a variable region and a constant region. c. B-cell receptors lack specificity and can bind to a number of different antigens. d. B-cell receptors possess specificity and can therefore bind only to unique epitopes. e. B cell receptors undergo affinity maturation as a consequence of somatic hypermutation.
Approximately ________ percent of unnecessary deaths occur as a result of disparities in the health care system.
A. 5 B. 25 C. 10 D. 35
The suffix meaning dilation is -cele
Indicate whether the statement is true or false