Consider a chemical that blocks the action of acetylcholinesterase. What effect does this have on muscles?
A) It would cause paralysis.
B) It would cause action potentials to be inhibited, thereby rendering the muscle useless.
C) The body would increase its production of acetylcholine to compensate.
D) The axons of the motor neurons would atrophy, and the muscle would weaken.
E) The muscle would have no way to relax, and spastic contractions would result.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blocking the action of acetylcholinesterase prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, leading to prolonged muscle contraction because acetylcholine continues to stimulate the muscle. This results in spastic contractions rather than relaxation.

Consider a Chemical That Blocks the Action of Acetylcholinesterase