Pathology of the Muscular System

Muscle atrophy Weakening and wasting away of muscle tissue Occurs with paralysis and other conditions Can lead to contractures: Joint remains in flexed position

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy Genetic disease Progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass No cure Treatment: Medication to slow Braces Corrective surgery

Fibromyalgia A group of muscle disorders affecting the tendons, ligaments, and other fibrous tissues Common sites of pain Neck, shoulders, thorax, lower back, thighs Myalgia common Treatment: reduce stress, therapy, exercise

Hernia The abnormal protrusion of a body part into another body area Result from weakness in stomach muscles Treatment: bracing or surgery

Hernia

Poliomyelitis (Polio) A viral infection Results in paralysis of muscles Prevented by vaccination which became available in the 1950’s No cure

Myasthenia gravis Nerve impulses not transmitted normally from brain to muscles Considered an autoimmune disorder Muscle weakness may become severe enough for life support. Severe cases may cause respiratory failure.

Muscle Pathology Muscle sprain Muscle strain A traumatic injury to the tendons, muscles, or ligaments of a joint Muscle strain Torn or stretched tendons and muscles, causing pain Muscle Pathology

Pes planus Flatfoot or fallen arches Either congenital or from weakened foot muscles May cause extreme pain

Tetanus – AKA “lock jaw” Spores of tetanus bacteria are everywhere in the environment, including soil, dust, and manure. The spores develop into bacteria when they enter the body. Prevention: immunization No cure-palliative care of symptoms