Question

From what you have learned of motor control, which of the mechanisms below describes how a paralytic can prevent muscle contraction?

Answer 1

Inhibiting muscle contraction can be achieved by targeting mechanisms such as inhibiting the action potential, preventing the release of acetylcholine, interfering with ACh receptors, or disrupting the sliding filament process in muscle fibers.

Step-by-step explanation:

When it comes to inhibiting muscle contraction, there are several mechanisms that can be targeted. These include:

• Inhibiting the action potential in the motor neuron
• Preventing the release of acetylcholine (ACh)
• Interfering with the activity of ACh receptors
• Disrupting the sliding filament process in the muscle fiber

For example, in the disease myasthenia gravis, the function of ACh receptors is impaired, leading to a lack of sufficient muscle contraction and resulting in muscle weakness. Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, works by inhibiting the release of ACh from motor neurons, removing the signal that instructs the muscles to contract. This causes a flaccid paralysis of the muscles.