Pathology of the Muscular System

Question 1

Fasciitis

Answer 1

The inflammation of a fascia

Question 2

Fibromyalgia

Answer 2

A debilitating chronic condition characterized by fatigue; diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain; and a wide range of other symptoms

Question 3

Tenosynovitis

Answer 3

An inflammation of the sheath surrounding a tendon

Question 4

Tendinitis/tendonitis/tenonitis

Answer 4

An inflammation of the tendon caused by excessive or unusual use of the joint

Question 5

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/Myalgic encephalomyelitis

Answer 5

A disorder of unknown cause that is characterized by profound fatigue that is not made better by bedrest, and can be made worse by physical or mental activity. Symptoms are similar to those of fibromyalgia.

Question 6

Adhesion

Answer 6

A band of fibrous tissue that holds structures together abnormally. Adhesions can form in muscles or in internal organs, as the result of an injury or surgery.

Question 7

Atrophy

Answer 7

Weakness or wearing away of body tissues or structures. Can be caused by pathology or a misuse of a muscle over a long period of time.

Question 8

Myalgia

Answer 8

Tenderness or pain in the muscles

Question 9

Myocele

Answer 9

The herniation of muscle substance through a tear of the fascia surrounding it

Question 10

Myolisis

Answer 10

The degeneration of muscle tissue

Question 11

Myorrhexis

Answer 11

The rupture or tearing of a muscle

Question 12

Polymyositis

Answer 12

A muscle disease characterized by the simultaneous inflammation and weakening of voluntary muscles in many parts of the body. The muscles in the trunk and torso are most often affected

Question 13

Rhabdomyolysis

Answer 13

A serious syndrome that can result from a direct or indirect muscle injury. The death of muscle fibers releases their contents into the bloodstream, where they can lead to complications such as renal failure.

Question 14

Sarcopenia

Answer 14

The loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that come with aging. A weight or resistance training program can significantly improve muscle mass and slow, but not stop, this process.

Question 15

Muscle tone

Answer 15

The state of balanced muscle tension (contraction and relaxation) that makes normal posture, coordination, and movement possible

Question 16

Atonic

Answer 16

Lacking normal muscle tone or strength

Question 17

Dystonic

Answer 17

A condition of abnormal muscle tone that causes the impairment of voluntary muscle movement

Question 18

Hypotonia

Answer 18

A condition in which there is diminished muscle tone of the skeletal muscles

Question 19

Ataxia

Answer 19

The lack of muscle coordination during voluntary movement. These movements, which are often shaky and unsteady, are most frequently caused by abnormal activity in the cerebellum.

Question 20

Contracutre

Answer 20

A permanent tightening of the fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or skin that occurs when normally elastic connective tissues are replaced with nonelastic fibrous tissues. The most common causes of contractures are scarring or the lack of use due to immobilization or inactivity.

Question 21

Intermittent claudication

Answer 21

Pain in the leg muscles that occurs during exercise and is relieved by rest. This condition is caused by poor blood circulation and is associated with peripheral vascular disease.

Question 22

Spasm

Answer 22

Any sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles

Question 23

Tic

Answer 23

A repeated spasm, often involving the eyelids or face. These movements are difficult or impossible to control.

Question 24

Myoclonus

Answer 24

The quick, involuntary jerking of a muscle or group of muscles. This may occur normally as a person is falling asleep, as a result of epilipsey, a metabolic condition, or as a reaction to a medication.

Question 25

Singultus (hiccups)

Answer 25

The myoclonus, or spasm, of the diaphragm

Question 26

Cramp, “charley horse”

Answer 26

A painful localized muscle spasm often named for its cause, such as menstrual cramps or writer’s cramp.

Question 27

Torticollis, “wryneck”

Answer 27

stiff neck due to spasmodic contraction of the neck muscles that pull the head toward the affected side.

Question 28

Bradykinesia

Answer 28

Extreme slowness in movement

Question 29

Dyskinesia

Answer 29

The distortion or impairment of voluntary movement resulting in fragmented or jerky motions

Question 30

Hyperkinesia/hyperactivity

Answer 30

Abnormally increased muscle function or activity

Question 31

Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Answer 31

a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the neuromuscular junction (where the neuron activates the muscle to contract) and produces serious weakness of voluntary muscles. Muscles that control eye movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often affected by this condition.

Question 32

Muscular dystrophy

Answer 32

This general term describes a group of more than 30 genetic diseases that are characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement, without affecting the nervous system. There is no specific treatment to stop or reverse any form of muscular dystrophy.

Question 33

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)

Answer 33

The most common form of muscular dystrophy in children. This condition affects primarily boys with onset between the ages of 3 and 5 years. The disorder progresses rapidly so that most of these boys are unable to walk by age 12 and later develop breathing difficulties and heart disease.

Question 34

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD)

Answer 34

Less severe, but very similar to duchenne muscular dystrophy

Question 35

Compartment syndrome

Answer 35

Involves the compression of nerves and blood vessels due to swelling within the “compartment,” an enclosed space created by the fascia that separates groups of muscles. This syndrome can be caused by trauma, tight bandages or casts, or repetitive activities such as running.

Question 36

Myofascial pain syndrome

Answer 36

A chronic pain disorder that affects muscles and fascia throughout the body. This condition, which is caused by a muscle being contracted repetitively, is characterized by the development of trigger points, producing local and referred muscle pain.

Question 37

Impingement syndrome

Answer 37

Occurs when inflamed and swollen tendons are caught in the narrow space between the bones within the shoulder joint. A common symptom of impingement syndrome is discomfort when raising your arm above your head.

Question 38

Rotator cuff tendinitis

Answer 38

The inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff; also called “tennis shoulder” or pitcher’s shoulder”

Question 39

Ruptured rotator cuff

Answer 39

Develops when rotator cuff tendinitis is left untreated or if the overuse continues. This occurs as the irritated tendon weakens and tears.

Question 40

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer 40

Occurs when the tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel are chronically overused and become inflamed and swollen.

Question 41

Epicondylitis

Answer 41

The inflammation of the tendon surrounding the elbow.

Question 42

Iliotibial band syndrome

Answer 42

An overuse injury. The iliotibial band runs from the hipbone, diagonally across the leg to the tibia. ITBS is caused by this band rubbing against bone, often in the area of the knee.

Question 43

Paralysis

Answer 43

The loss of sensation and voluntary muscle movements in a muscle through disease or injury to its nerve supply. Damage can be temporary or permanent.

Question 44

Myoparesis

Answer 44

A weakness or slight muscle paralysis

Question 45

Hemiparesis

Answer 45

Slight paralysis or weakness affecting one side of the body

Question 46

Hemiplegia

Answer 46

Total paralysis only affecting one side of the body, it is often associated with stroke or brain damage. One half of the brain is damaged, and the opposite side of the body is affected.

Question 47

Paraplegia

Answer 47

The complete paralysis of the legs and lower half of the body

Question 48

Quadriplegia

Answer 48

The paralysis of all four extremities