Unit 8: Muscular System Disorders and Hernias

Hernia

A protrusion of an organ through a weak spot in a muscle or tissue wall.

Inguinal hernia

A hernia in the groin where abdominal contents bulge through the inguinal canal; common in males and may involve the spermatic cord and blood vessels.

Umbilical hernia

A hernia around the belly button where intestine may push through the abdominal wall near the umbilicus.

Hiatal hernia

A hernia where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest.

Incisional hernia

A hernia at the site of a prior surgical incision.

Femoral hernia

A hernia near the femoral canal, typically in the upper thigh/groin area.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (totally extraperitoneal)

A minimally invasive procedure using small ports to access the abdomen and place mesh over the hernia to prevent recurrence.

Trocar

A surgical instrument inserted through a port to access the abdominal cavity.

Port

An entry point for instruments during laparoscopy.

Laparoscope

A camera instrument inserted through a port to visualize the operative field.

Peritoneum

The tissue lining the inside of the abdomen surrounding abdominal organs.

Mesh (hernia repair)

A material placed over the hernia opening to prevent recurrence; secured in place.

Incarcerated hernia

Hernia contents that are trapped inside the hernia sac and cannot easily return to the abdomen.

Strangulation (hernia)

Blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off, risking tissue death.

Umbilical/ethnographic note: common risk groups

Postpartum women after pregnancy, obese individuals, and newborns commonly have umbilical hernias.

Myasthenia gravis

Autoimmune disorder where antibodies block acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, causing skeletal muscle weakness.

Acetylcholine receptor

Receptors at the neuromuscular junction that respond to acetylcholine to trigger muscle contraction.

Neuromuscular junction

The synapse between a motor neuron and muscle fiber where signaling occurs.

Myotonic dystrophy

Genetic dyst