What is myasthenia gravis primarily classified as?

Myasthenia gravis is primarily classified as an autoimmune disease because it involves the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues. In this case, the immune system produces antibodies that block or destroy the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, which prevents normal muscle contraction and leads to muscle weakness and fatigue.

This autoimmune response is not due to a genetic mutation or infectious agent; rather, it's a condition where the body's defenses misfire against a key component involved in muscle signaling. This distinguishes myasthenia gravis from other categories like neurological disorders, which pertain to issues directly affecting the nervous system, or infectious diseases that are caused by pathogens. The classification as an autoimmune disease is significant, as it informs the treatment approach, which may involve immunosuppressive therapies to reduce the aberrant immune response.