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Abstract

The vast majority of drugs that are used to produce relaxation of skeletal muscle achieve this effect by an action at some point in the neuronal pathways involved in muscle regulation. Although the skeletal muscles are under voluntary control, there is an abundance of neuronal circuitry which participates in the generation of smooth, coordinated movement. All of the neural information is ultimately channeled through the alpha motoneurons which are responsible for causing contraction of skeletal muscle cells. To fully appreciate the actions of muscle relaxants, it will be necessary to briefly review certain aspects of the neuroregulation of skeletal muscles.

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© 1988 Plenum Publishing Corporation

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Hoover, D.B. (1988). Muscle Relaxants. In: Thomas, J.A. (eds) Drugs, Athletes, and Physical Performance. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5499-4_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5499-4_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-5501-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-5499-4

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