Motor Unit Action Potentials (MUAP)

Motor Unit Action Potentials (MUAPs) are electrical signals generated when a motor neuron activates muscle fibers it controls. Each motor unit consists of a single motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates. When the neuron sends a message, all its fibers contract together, producing a simultaneous electrical signal that can be detected with special tests. These MUAPs help doctors assess nerve and muscle health, providing insights into conditions like neuropathies or muscular dystrophies. They reflect how well nerves communicate with muscles and how the muscles respond to neural stimulation.