Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a condition in which there are antibodies to the places called end-plates, where nerves join muscles. The nerves secrete a chemical transmitter called acetyl choline (see nerve and muscle section) which causes the muscle to contract. If the end-plates are destroyed by the action of antibodies, then contraction fails. In 40% of people with the condition, there is evidence of increased activity of the thymus, either overgrowth (thymic hyperplasia) or thymoma. Surgical removal of the thymus (thymectomy) may improve symptoms.
 
 
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