Chapter 6 The Muscular System

Chapter 6: The Muscular System

• Short Course in Medical Terminology by Judi L. Nath

• Engaging material to enhance learning and application of medical terminology.

Word Parts

• Fasci/o: Fibrous membrane

• Fibr/o: Fiber

• Kinesi/o: Movement

• Ligament/o: Ligament

• Muscul/o: Muscle

• My/o: Muscle

• Tend/o: Tendon

• Tendin/o: Tendon

• -paresis: Incomplete paralysis

• -plegia: Paralysis

• Quadri: Four

• Sthen/o: Strength

Structure and Function of Muscle Types

Types of Muscle Tissue

1. Skeletal Muscle

   • Attached to bone

   • Voluntary movement

   • Helps maintain posture

   • Produces heat

2. Smooth Muscle

   • Acts involuntarily

   • Found in walls of hollow organs (e.g., blood vessels, digestive system)

3. Cardiac Muscle

   • Acts involuntarily

   • Responsible for the heart's pumping action

Characteristics of Muscles

• Location: Where muscles are found in the body

• Control Action: Voluntary vs. involuntary

• Cell Characteristics: Differentiates muscle types

Skeletal Muscles

• Enclosed in a fibrous sheath called fascia.

• Tendons: Connect muscle to bone.

• Ligaments: Attach bone to bone and provide support.

Muscle Actions

• Prime mover (agonist): Muscle that contracts to produce movement.

• Antagonist: Muscle that opposes movement.

Disorders Related to the Muscular System

• Muscular Dystrophy (MD): Hereditary, progressive disorder causing skeletal muscle weakness.

• Myasthenia Gravis (MG): Immunologic disorder with fluctuating muscle weakness.

• Fibromyalgia: Widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and tenderness.

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Progressive degeneration of motor nerve tracts.

Repetitive Motion Disorders

• Conditions arising from frequent repetitive motions:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Rotator Cuff Injury

  • Epicondylitis

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Hamstring Injury

  • Shin-Splints

Definitions of Paralysis

• Paralysis: Loss of voluntary muscle movement due to injury or disease.

• Paresis: Partial or incomplete paralysis.

  • Hemiparesis: Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.

  • Hemiplegia: Total paralysis of one side of the body.

  • Paraplegia: Paralysis of both legs and lower trunk.

  • Quadriplegia: Paralysis of all four extremities.

Treatment Options

• Many chronic muscle conditions lack cures, only symptom management:

  • Steroids

  • Antiacetylcholinesterase medications

  • Immunosuppressants

  • R.I.C.E: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Medical Specialties and Practitioners

• Myology: Study of muscle tissue and structures.

• Medical specialists include:

  • Orthopedic surgeons

  • Kinesiologists

  • Occupational and Physical Therapists

Abbreviations Related to the Muscular System

• ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

• EMG: Electromyography

• Fx: Fracture

• IM: Intramuscular

• MD: Muscular Dystrophy

• MG: Myasthenia Gravis

• MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• NSAID: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug

• PT: Physical Therapy

• RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

• ROM: Range of Motion

Practical Exercises

• Practice 1: Meaning of word parts

• Practice 2: Define medical abbreviations

• Practice 3: Describe sports injury (shin-splints)

• Practice 4: Describe muscular atrophy

• Practice 5: Describe dysphagia

• Practice 6: Analyze term "Kinesi/o"

• Practice 7: Analyze term "Myocardial"

• Practice 8: Analyze term "Asthenia"

• Practice 9: Analyze term "Hemiparesis"

• Practice 10: Analyze term "Periostitis"