True or False: Reduced uptake of acetylcholine by postsynaptic receptors may result in flaccid dysarthria.

Prepare for the SLP Comprehensive Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each query provides hints and explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

Reduced uptake of acetylcholine by postsynaptic receptors is indeed associated with flaccid dysarthria, which is characterized by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in speech production. This condition often results from neuromuscular disorders where there is impaired transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle fibers. When acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter for muscle contraction, does not effectively bind to its receptors on the muscle cells, it leads to decreased muscle tone and strength. Consequently, this can cause the speech patterns seen in flaccid dysarthria, such as hypernasality, breathiness, and imprecise articulation.

In conditions like myasthenia gravis, the body produces antibodies that block or destroy the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to this scenario. Therefore, recognizing the link between diminished acetylcholine activity at the postsynaptic receptors and the resultant speech impairments helps to understand the physiological basis for flaccid dysarthria.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy