Skeletal System Diseases and Disorders

Question 1

Arthritis

Answer 1

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints.

Question 2

Monoarticular arthritis

Answer 2

Monoarticular arthritis is an inflammation of one joint.

Question 3

Poly-arthritis

Answer 3

Poly-arthritis is an inflammation of many.

Question 4

Osteo-Arthritis

Answer 4

OSTEO-ARTHRITIS (also known as degenerative)

Cause: may be injury of the joint or, if widespread, may be associated with the ageing process.

Effect: chronic arthritis of degenerative type – cartilage of joint breaks down; usually affects weight-bearing joints like knees, feet and back

Question 5

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 5

Cause: an auto immune disease that attacks the synovial membranes and goes on to degrade and malform the articular surfaces of the bones.

Effect: acute and chronic phases with varying degrees of damage and deformity.

Question 6

Gout

Answer 6

A form of arthritis that can occur in any part of the body but often affects the big toe; more common in men than women.

Cause: deposition of uric acid crystals within the joint capsule and cartilage.

Effect: attacks of acute gouty arthritis, chronic destruction of joints.

Question 7

Stress

Answer 7

Stress is any factor which affects mental or physical health.

When stressed, muscle tension increases and this causes poor posture (for example hunched shoulders or a clenched jaw),

Stiff joints and problems with the spinal vertebrae.

Question 8

Osteoporosis (also known as brittle bone disease)

Answer 8

Cause: calcium deficiency; accelerated bone loss, especially in post-menopausal women.

Effect: porosity and brittleness of bones.