Nerve and muscle

‘Nerve and muscle’ begins by describing the different types of cells found in the nervous system. It overviews both the somatic and autonomic nervous systems, how nerves function to initiate and propagate signals, and how anaesthetics work. Mechanisms of transmission are considered at different types of synapse, including neuromuscular and interneuronal synapses, and the use and effects of drugs on the process are discussed. The physiology of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle are compared and contrasted, and the pathology of neuromuscular diseases such as demyelination, myasthenia gravis, motor neuron disease, and spinal cord damage discussed.