Lucretia's illness is Myasthenia gravis.
Understanding Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system abnormally produces antibodies. These antibodies then attach themselves to the neuromuscular junction, which is the critical point where a motor nerve and a muscle meet. This interference at the junction impairs the communication between nerves and muscles, leading to various forms of muscle weakness.
Despite extensive research, the exact cause of Myasthenia gravis remains unknown.
Key Characteristics of Myasthenia Gravis
To better understand this condition, here's a summary of its core characteristics as described:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Disease Type | An autoimmune disease. |
| Mechanism of Action | Lucretia's immune system produces abnormal antibodies that target and attach to the neuromuscular junction, disrupting nerve-muscle communication. |
| Neuromuscular Junction | This is the specific point where a motor nerve fiber transmits signals to a muscle fiber, allowing muscle contraction. |
| Cause | The underlying cause of Myasthenia gravis is currently unknown. |
For more general information on this condition, you can explore resources on Myasthenia gravis.
