Chapter 6: The Skeletal Muscle System

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to the skeletal muscle system, including types of muscle tissue, muscle interactions, age-related changes, and specific conditions affecting the muscle system.

What is skeletal muscle tissue characterized by?

Skeletal muscle tissue is characterized by being striated, voluntary, and capable of rapid contraction.

Where is cardiac muscle found?

Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart.

What are the key characteristics of smooth muscle?

Smooth muscle is non-striated, involuntary, and found in the walls of hollow organs.

What attaches the movable end of a muscle to the bone?

The movable end of a muscle that attaches to the bone being pulled is called the muscle's insertion.

What is the term for the stabilized end of a muscle?

The stabilized end of a muscle is called the origin.

What is the function of the prime mover in muscle actions?

The prime mover is the principal muscle involved in a specific movement.

What role do antagonistic muscles play in movement?

Antagonistic muscles maintain position and control rapid movements.

What happens to skeletal muscle mass as a person ages?

Skeletal muscle mass decreases as a person ages due to muscle atrophy.

What is a significant cause of muscle fiber loss with age?

Skeletal muscles are postmitotic and cannot reproduce, leading to fiber loss.

How much strength reduction can occur after the age of 70?

After age 70, strength reduction may increase to 50%.

What is Parkinson's Disease characterized by?

Parkinson's Disease is characterized by uncontrollable muscle contractions, tremors, and rigidity.

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease that disrupts normal muscle contraction due to interference with acetylcholine.

What symptoms are associated with Myasthenia Gravis?

Symptoms include drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, speaking, and generalized muscular weakness.

What common condition affects older persons involving muscle cramps?

Muscle cramps are more common in older persons and can result from low oxygen, overstimulation, or imbalanced electrolytes.

What characterizes Polymyositis?

Polymyositis is characterized by inflammation and weakness of muscles, particularly in the hips and neck.

How does Polymyalgia Rhumatica primarily affect individuals?

Polymyalgia Rhumatica causes bilateral pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and thighs.

What treatment responds dramatically to Polymyalgia Rhumatica?

Corticosteroids respond dramatically to the treatment of Polymyalgia Rhumatica.

What happens to muscle fibers with aging?

Muscle fibers are replaced with fat tissue as muscle fibers decrease due to aging.

What defines a synergist muscle?

A synergist muscle assists the prime mover and can also stabilize the bone for the prime mover's origin.

What can influence the decrease in muscle cells besides aging?

Heredity can also influence the decrease in muscle cells.

What is the term for muscles that stabilize the attachment of the prime mover's origin?

These stabilizing muscles are often referred to as fixators.

What is the main duty of antagonistic muscles during movements?

Antagonistic muscles maintain body position and control rapid movements.

At what age is Parkinson’s Disease commonly diagnosed?

Parkinson’s Disease commonly affects individuals over 50 years of age.

What is a common consequence of muscle cramps?

Muscle cramps can lead to severe, sustained contractions lasting from seconds to hours.

What is the effect of aging on skeletal muscle strength?

There is typically only a 10% to 20% reduction in strength until the age of seventy.