ADEX Dental Hygiene Licensing Exam 2026 – Complete All-In-One Guide to Succeed

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition where the body produces antibodies that block or destroy acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This leads to a decrease in the number of functional receptors available to bind with acetylcholine, resulting in muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

The impact on acetylcholine receptors disrupts the normal communication between nerves and muscles, leading to symptoms like fatigue and muscle weakness, particularly in muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and swallowing. As the condition progresses, it can affect limb muscles as well.

In contrast, the other options listed involve different pathological mechanisms. Eaton-Lambert Syndrome primarily affects the release of acetylcholine rather than the receptors themselves, while Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia and Pernicious anemia are unrelated to neuromuscular transmission and do not directly involve acetylcholine receptors. This distinction highlights why myasthenia gravis is the appropriate answer regarding the specific involvement of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.