Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease that causes antibodies to bind to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction and impair communication between the nerves and muscles, causing weakness in skeletal muscles. Myasthenia Gravis is often visible in the faces of affected individuals, as the eyes and mouth tend to droop to some degree. In this painting, the man in the hat is affected by Myasthenia Gravis. His hat is representative of the antibodies that have bound to the acetylcholine receptors and impede the electrical signals from powering the facial muscles.

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  1. Nydia created a work of art about Myasthenia Gravis. In the art piece two heads with different facial expressions are seen, one who seems more content is plugged into the wall while the other has a plug nearby but is not connected. This represents Myasthenia Gravis because the autoimmune disease does not allow expected communication between nerves and muscles. The plugs representing the electrical signal, which can attach to the content head, but not to the head with a hat. The hat is also demonstrating the antibodies which impair communication. The facial expressions show that the head with a hat has Myasthenia Gravis also in his facial expression as the downturned eyes and mouth are signs of the autoimmune disease.

    Jennifer Morten

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