Disorders Of Muscular And Skeletal System: Definition, Types, Symptoms

The Musculoskeletal System

The muscular and skeletal systems are two of the most basic parts in the makeup of the human body. It facilitates movement, provides support, and protects the body's vital organs. These two systems are critical to sustaining the general health and functionality between them because the muscles allow for movement while the bones offer structural integrity to the body.

Muscular System – Overview

The muscular system is vital in the body, assists in movement, and stability, and upholds posture.

Structure and Functions of Muscles

• Composed of muscle fibers

• Provide motion by contracting and relaxing

• Help maintain posture and generate heat.

Types of Muscles

• Skeletal muscles are voluntary muscles that are linked to bones and are responsible for the locomotion of the body.

• Cardiac muscles are involuntary muscles found within the heart and are responsible for blood pumping.

• Smooth muscles are involuntary muscles located in the walls of the internal organs. They help in the process of digestion, blood flow, and similar other actions.

Skeletal System – Overview

It provides the framework of the body, protects organs, and gives support to movement.

Structure and Function of Bones

• Composed of a matrix of collagen and calcium phosphate

• Provide support and shape

• Protect vital organs

• Store minerals and produce blood cells

Types of Bones

• Long Bones: For example, the femur, and humerus; provide strength, structure, and mobility.

• Short Bones: E.g., carpals, tarsals; provide some stability and support with little movement.

• Flat Bones: E.g., skull, ribs; protect internal organs and provide surfaces for muscle attachment.

• Irregular Bones: E.g., vertebrae, and pelvis; have complex shapes to protect the organs and support the body.

Common Disorders of the Muscular System

Muscular disorders can affect mobility and, therefore, the quality of living considerably.

Muscular Dystrophy

• A group of genetic disorders involving muscle weakness and degeneration. For example, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

• Gradually progressing muscle weakness, with loss of mobility, and respiratory complications.

• Genetic Basis: Due to mutations in genes involved in the production of muscle proteins.

• Diagnostic Methods: Genetic testing, muscle biopsy, electromyography.

• Treatment and Management: Physical therapy, medications such as corticosteroids, assistive devices, and respiratory care.

Myasthenia Gravis

• A condition in which your body attacks healthy muscle tissue.

• Symptoms and Diagnosis: Muscle weakness, and fatigue; diagnosis through blood tests, EMG, and imaging.

• Treatment and Management: Medications, anticholinesterase, immunosuppressants, thymectomy.

Muscle Cramps and Strains

• Causes and Risk Factors: Overuse, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances.

• Symptoms and First Aid: Sudden sharp pain, muscle tightness; rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE).

• Prevention Strategies: Adequate hydration, stretching, and balanced nutrition.

Fibromyalgia

• A chronic disorder characterised by pervasive pain, persistent fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction.

• Causes and Risk Factors: Genetically induced infections, physical or emotional trauma.

• Treatment and Management: Medications, exercise, stress management, sleep hygiene.

Common Disorders of the Skeletal System

Skeletal disorders can compromise structural integrity and mobility.

Osteoporosis

• A condition characterised by weak bones, risk factors include ageing, hormonal changes, and malnutrition.

• Bone pain, fracture, loss of height.

• Bone density tests (DEXA scan).

• Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, medications - bisphosphonates.

Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis: It is a degenerative joint disease.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune inflammatory disorder.

• Symptoms and Progression include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

• The condition is mostly genetic. Other causes are aging processes and injury to joints.

• The treatment options include medicines, physical therapy, and joint replacement surgery.

Bone Fractures

Types of fractures:

• Simple, compound, comminuted, greenstick

Symptoms and diagnosis:

• Pain, swelling, and an inability to move the affected area. It is diagnosed by taking X-rays.

• Treatment and Healing Process: Immobilisation, reduction, surgery, rehabilitation.

Rickets

• Causes and Symptoms: Deficiency of vitamin D causes soft bones; and skeletal deformities.

• Prevention and Treatment: Good intake of vitamin D and calcium, sunlight exposure, and supplementation.

Bone Cancer

• Osteosarcoma: Common in adolescents.

• Chondrosarcoma: More common in adults.

• Symptoms and Diagnosis: Pain, swelling, and fractures; diagnosed by imaging and biopsy.

• Treatment and Prognosis: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.

Joint Disorders

• The joint disorders mirror the mobility and quality of life.

• These are different conditions affecting the joints, such as arthritis, bursitis, and dislocations.

• Symptoms and Diagnosis: Pain, swelling, decreased range of motion. Diagnosed by clinical evaluation, and imaging.

• Treatment: Medications, physical therapy, joint injections, surgery.

Diagnosis of Muscular and Skeletal Disorders

For a disorder to be effectively treated an accurate diagnosis has first to be made.

Imaging Techniques

• X-rays: Bone fractures and joint abnormalities can be visualised.

• MRI and CT Scans: Extensive images of soft tissues, bones, joints

• Ultrasound: It is used to study soft tissues. This test also guides injections.

Laboratory Tests

• Blood Tests: Assays for markers of inflammation, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders.

• Genetic Testing: Screen a patient for mutations resulting in the form of muscular dystrophy and other genetically congenital diseases.

• Muscle Biopsy: Examining muscle tissue under the microscope for irregularities.

Physical Examination

• Clinical Assessment: Observe the symptoms followed by taking a history of medical illnesses and conditions.

• Mobility and Strength Tests: Monitor range of motion, muscular strength, and joint motion and function.

Treatment and Management Strategies

Effective treatment and management would improve the measurements of outcomes of the patients.

• Medications

• Physical therapy

• Surgical interventions

• Lifestyle Changes

• Diet and Nutrition

• Exercise and Fitness

• Preventive Measures

Disorders of Muscular & Skeletal System NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Disorders of skeletal and muscular system

• Diagnosis of disorders

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Assertion: The inflammatory process within a skeletal joint can result in the restriction of joint movements.

Reason: The presence of uric acid crystals in the joint cavity and the ossification of articular cartilage contribute to this phenomenon.

1. Both the assertion and reason are individually true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

2. Both the assertion and reason are individually true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

3. The assertion is true, but the reason is false.

4. The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

Correct answer: 1) Both the assertion and reason are individually true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Explanation:

The assertion correctly states that inflammation within a skeletal joint can lead to the restriction of joint movements. Inflammatory processes, such as swelling, pain, and tissue damage, can interfere with the normal functioning of the joint, limiting its range of motion.

The reason provides an accurate explanation for the assertion. The presence of uric acid crystals in the joint cavity, often associated with conditions like gout, can contribute to joint inflammation and subsequent immobility. Additionally, the ossification of articular cartilage, the process of cartilage turning into bone, can further restrict joint movements.

Hence, the correct option is 1 Both the assertion and reason are individually true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Q2. Which factor or mechanism plays a significant role in the development of “Knock knee disease”?

1. Insufficiency of the essential amino acid tyrosine

2. Disruption in hormonal equilibrium

3. Excessive accumulation of fluoride in water sources

4. Genetic aberrations specifically observed in males

Correct answer: 3) Excessive accumulation of fluoride in water sources

Explanation:

The factor that plays a significant role in the development of "Knock Knee Disease" is the excessive accumulation of fluoride in water sources.

Skeletal fluorosis which weakens bones and results in abnormalities like knock knees is caused by excessive fluoride ingestion from drinking water (Genu valgum). Long-term exposure alters bone formation particularly in children causing the knees to curve inward. In areas where groundwater fluoride levels are high, this disorder is more prevalent.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Excessive accumulation of fluoride in water sources.

Q3. Which of the following abnormalities will include the secretion of abnormal granules - pannus?

1. Osteoarthritis

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

3. Gout

4. Osteoarthritis

Correct answer: 2) Rheumatoid arthritis

Explanation:

The secretion of irregular granular material, termed pannus, is commonly linked with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This pannus is an aberrant fibrovascular tissue layer that originates from the persistent inflammation of the synovial membrane, which is the joint lining. It is comprised of various immune cells such as T cells, macrophages, and granulocytes, as well as harmful granules. These granules, like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammatory cytokines, are instrumental in the degradation of cartilage and bone, leading to the distinct joint damage characteristic of RA.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Rheumatoid arthritis.

Also Read:

• MCQs on the Disorders of Muscular and Skeletal System

• Human Body And Its Movements

• Vertebral Column

Recommended Video on Disorders Of Muscular And Skeletal System