Body Systems: Musculatory System (Muscle Health) Flashcards
Tetanus:
-clostridium tetani: toxin made by spores of bacteria, found in soil, rust and animal feces.
-the toxin impairs the nerves that control your muscles (motor neurons).
-painful muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles “lockjaw”.
Myasthenia gravis:
-autoimmune disorder.
-body produces antibodies that block the muscle cells from receiving messages.
-causes weakened muscle activity and fatigue.
-common symptom: ptosis (drooping of eyelid).
Muscular dystrophy:
-hereditary.
-degeneration of skeletal muscles.
-weakened circulation accelerates muscle degeneration.
-don’t normally survive past 30 years.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) (ALS):
-death of motor neurons that control muscles.
-weakness in hands and legs.
-slurred speech.
-difficulties walking, eventually wheelchair.
-experts do not know the cause of ALS. In 25-40% of causes, genetics involved.
Botulism:
-clostridium botulinum: bacteria that produces toxic spores that survive in poorly preserved food.
-toxin prevents the release of a muscle-stimulating compound (acetylcholine).
-causes fatal muscular paralysis.
-symptoms: slurred speech, weak muscles, blurry vision, droopy eyelids, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, dry mouth, vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea.
Muscle cramps:
-painful muscle spasms triggered by strenuous exercise, extreme cold, dehydration, salt (electrolyte) imbalance, low blood glucose, or reduced blood flow.
Contractures:
-abnormal muscle shortening not caused by nerve stimulation.
-can result from inability to remove calcium ions from the sarcoplasm.
-or from the contraction of scar tissue (as in people who have experienced severe burns).
Fibromyalgia:
-chronic muscular pain and tenderness often associated with fatigue and sleep disturbances.
-can be caused by infectious diseases, physical or emotional trauma, or medications.
