Final answer:
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of antibodies against acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. It is more prevalent in women, typically beginning between ages 20 to 40. The condition can progress to cause severe muscle weakness affecting breathing and swallowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly produces antibodies that interfere with the communication between nerve cells and muscles. Specifically, the antibodies target acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, which are essential for muscle contraction. This results in the characteristic muscle weakness and fatigue seen in affected individuals. This is not caused by a bacterial infection, cancer, or direct physical injury. Instead, it is the immune system's faulty response to what it erroneously perceives as foreign.
Myasthenia gravis is more common among women and typically manifests between the ages of 20 and 40. Symptoms often first appear as muscle weakness in the eyes and face before progressing to other parts of the body. Advanced stages can lead to difficulty in swallowing and breathing, which in severe cases, can be life-threatening.