Final answer:
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness due to acetylcholine receptor blockage. Medications used to treat this condition increase acetylcholine levels by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, subsequently improving muscle function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that results in weakness and fatigue of voluntary muscles. It is caused by the immune system producing antibodies that block or destroy acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, which prevents muscles from contracting properly. To reverse the effects of neuromuscular blocking drugs, and as a treatment for myasthenia gravis, certain medications are used. These medications function by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, therefore increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the synapses and improving muscle contraction capability.Management of myasthenia gravis may include medications that either counteract the immune system's attack on the neuromuscular junction or increase the concentration of acetylcholine by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, which is the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine. The symptoms of the condition, such as muscle weakness and fatigue, can thus be alleviated, restoring better muscle function. Figure illustrating myasthenia gravis showed a patient with a drooping eyelid before and after drug administration that enhances neuromuscular transmission.