Chapter 15: Musculoskeletal System

Question 1

What are the functions of the MSK system?

Answer 1

A system of movement, support, and protection. It also functions to generate heat, thereby playing a role in maintaining body temperature.

Question 2

Name the three types of muscle and give examples.

Answer 2

• Voluntary or striated muscle moves skeletal bones providing locomotion and flexibility.
• Involuntary or smooth muscle is the muscle of internal organs and allows internal movements such as peristalsis, childbirth, and blood pressure.
• Cardiac muscle is specific to the heart and allows the heart to contract and relax.

Question 3

What reflexes would you work for a fracture?

Answer 3

Musculoskeletal: area of fracture, associate areas and referral reflexes, spine, diaphragm

Nervous: hypothalamus, solar plexus
Endocrine: adrenals, pituitary, thyroid/parathyroids
Immune & Lymphatic: spleen, thymus
Cardiovascular: Heart

Question 4

What reflexes would you work for a head injury?

Answer 4

Nervous: brain, hypothalamus, solar plexus
Muskuloskeletal: head (all toes) spine, neck, neck/shoulder ridge, C1/2/3, diaphragm

Cardiovascular: Heart
Endocrine: pituitary, adrenals, pineal

Question 5

What reflexes would you work for a muscle spasm or cramp?

Answer 5

Endocrine: thyroid/parathyroid, adrenal, pituitary
Muskuloskeletal: area of cramp, spine, diaphragm
Cardiovascular: heart
Nervous: hypothalamus, solar plexus
Urinary: kidney (electrolyte balance)

Question 6

What reflexes would you work for osteoarthritis?

Answer 6

Musculoskeletal: spine, T1/3/8, diaphragm, corresponding area of arthritis and referral reflex

Nervous: hypothalamus, solar plexus, eyes, ears
Endocrine: adrenals, pituitary, parathyroid
Immune & Lymphatic: spleen, thymus
Urinary: kidney, bladder