Muscles and Muscle Tissue Flashcards
Mrs DeStaphano’s medical problems, this time look at the notes made detailing observations of her skeletal musculature.
*severe lacerations of the muscle of the right leg and knee
*damage to the blood vessels serving the right leg and knee
*transection of the sciatic nerve ( the large nerve serving most of the lower limb), just above the right knee
Her physician orders daily passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercise and electrical stimulation for her right leg and a diet high in protein, carbohydrates, and vitamin C.
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Describe the step by step process of wound healing that will occur in her fleshy (muscle) wounds, and note the consequences of the specific restorative process that occurs.
The first reaction to tissue injury is the initiation of the inflammatory response. The inflammatory chemicals increase the permeability of the capillaries in the injured area, allowing white blood cells, fluid and other substances to reach the injured area. The next step in healing involved the formation of granulation tissue, in which the vascular supply for the injured area is regenerated and collagen fibers that knit the torn edges of the tissue together are formed.Skeletal muscle does not regenerate well, so the damaged area of Mrs DeStaphano’s muscle tissue probably be repaired primarily by the formation of fibrous tissue, creating scar tissue
What complications in healing can be anticipated owing to vascular (blood vessel) damage to the right leg?
Healing is aided by good circulationof blood within the injured area. Vascular damage comprises healing because the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue is reduced.
What complications in muscle structure and function result from transection of the sciatic nerve? Why are passive ROM and electrical stimulation of her right leg muscle ordered?
Under normal circumstances, skeletal muscles receive electrical signals from the nervous system continuously. These signals help to maintain muscle tone and readiness.Severing of the sciatic nerve removes this continuous nervous input to the muscles and will lead to muscle atrophy. Immobility of muscles will lead to a replacement of contractile fibrous connective tissue. Distal to the point of transection, the muscle will begin to decrease in size within 3-7 days of becoming immobile. This process can be delayed by electrically stimulating the tissues. Passive range-of-motion exercise also help prevent loss of muscle tone and joint range, and improve circulation in the injured areas.
Explain the reasoning behind the dietary recommendations.
Mrs DeStephano’s physician wants to supply her damaged tissues with necessary building materials to encourage healing. A high protein diet will provide plenty of amino acids to build or replace damaged proteins, carbohydrates will provide the fuel molecules needed to generate the required ATP, and vitamin C is important for the regeneration of connective tissue.
