Session 10

Question 1

Describe the changes in muscle tissue with age

Answer 1

The number of myofibrils decreases with reduced muscle strength and endurance. The amount of fibrous tissue increases, reducing flexibility. The number of motor units decreases so the remaining motor units increase in size, contributing to the loss of strength and fine motor control. Conduction velocity of motor nerves also decreases.

Question 2

What is sarcopenia?

Answer 2

Loss of muscle mass due to loss of muscle fibres and reduced cross sectional area

Question 3

What are the structures passing posterior to the medial malleolus?

Answer 3

Tibialis anterior
Flexor digitorum longus
Posterior tibial artery
Posterior tibial vein
Tibial nerve
Flexor hallucis longus
(Tom dick and very nervous Harry)

Question 4

What are the intrinsic muscles of the dorsal and plantar aspect of the foot?

Answer 4

Dorsal - extensor hallucis brevis and extensor digitorum brevis
Plantar:
First layer - abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis and abductor digiti minimi
Second layer - quadratus plantae and lumbricals
Third layer - flexor hallucis brevis, adductor hallucis and flexor digiti minimi brevis
Fourth layer - plantar interossei and dorsal interossei