Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment

Neuromuscular Blockade

The intentional interruption of transmission at the NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION by external agents, usually neuromuscular blocking agents. It is distinguished from NERVE BLOCK in which nerve conduction (NEURAL CONDUCTION) is interrupted rather than neuromuscular transmission. Neuromuscular blockade is commonly used to produce MUSCLE RELAXATION as an adjunct to anesthesia during surgery and other medical procedures. It is also often used as an experimental manipulation in basic research. It is not strictly speaking anesthesia but is grouped here with anesthetic techniques. The failure of neuromuscular transmission as a result of pathological processes is not included here.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

The intentional interruption of transmission at the NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION by external agents, usually neuromuscular blocking agents. It is distinguished from NERVE BLOCK in which nerve conduction (NEURAL CONDUCTION) is interrupted rather than neuromuscular transmission. Neuromuscular blockade is commonly used to produce MUSCLE RELAXATION as an adjunct to anesthesia during surgery and other medical procedures. It is also often used as an experimental manipulation in basic research. It is not strictly speaking anesthesia but is grouped here with anesthetic techniques. The failure of neuromuscular transmission as a result of pathological processes is not included here.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Neuromuscular Block
  • Block, Neuromuscular
  • Blockade, Neuromuscular

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

14 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings adverse effects, classification, economics, ethics, history, instrumentation, methods, mortality, nursing, psychology, standards, statistics & numerical data, trends, veterinary.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

to produce muscle relaxation during surg & in various exper procedures; differentiate from NERVE BLOCK: read MeSH definitions

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History Note

97

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Neuromuscular Blocking Agents (1966-1996)
  • Neuromuscular Junction/drug effects (1966-1996)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. E03.706
  2. E05.635

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Neuromuscular Blockade. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D019148. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D019148
  2. Neuromuscular Blockade. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q73229653