Chapter 4 Muscular System Terminology

Chapter 4 Muscles  muscul/o, my/o, myos/o make body movement possible, hold body erect, move body fluids and produce body heat Fasciafasci/o cover support and separate muscles Tendons  ten/o, tend/o, tendin/o  attach muscles to bones.                bi- twice, double, two -cele hernia, tumor, swelling dys- bad, difficult, or painful fasci/o fascia, fibrous band fibr/o fibrous tissue, fiber -ia abnormal condition, disease, plural of -ium -ic pertaining to kines/o, kinesi/o movement my/o muscle -plegia paralysis, stroke -rrhexis rupture tax/o coordination, order ten/o, tend/o, tendin/o tendon, stretch out, extend, strain ton/o tone, stretching, tension tri- three • • • • • • • • abduction Movement of a limb away from the midline of the body. adduction  Movement of a limb toward the midline of the body. adhesion  A band of fibrous tissue that holds structures together abnormally. ataxia  The lack of muscle coordination during voluntary movement atonic  Lacking normal muscle tone or strength. atrophy Weakness or wearing away of body tissues and structures. bradykinesia Extreme slowness in movement. carpal tunnel syndrome  Inflammation and swelling of the tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel, which then create pressure on the median nerve. chronic fatigue syndrome  A debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and may be made worse by physical or mental activity. circumduction  The circular movement at the far end of a limb. contracture  The permanent tightening of fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or skin that occurs when normally elastic connective tissues are replaced with non-elastic fibrous tissues. dorsiflexion  Movement that bends the foot upward at the ankle. dyskinesia  Distortion or impairment of voluntary movement resulting in fragmented or jerky motions. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • dystonia A condition of abnormal muscle tone that causes the impairment of voluntary muscle movement. electromyography  A diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity within muscle fibers in response to nerve stimulation. epicondylitis  Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the elbow. ergonomics The study of human factors that affect the design and operation of tools and the work environment. exercise physiologist A specialist who works under a physician's supervision to develop, implement, and coordinate exercise programs, and administer medical tests to promote physical fitness. fasciitis Inflammation of a fascia. fibromyalgia  A debilitating chronic condition characterized by fatigue; diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain; and a wide range of other symptoms. ganglion cyst  A harmless fluid-filled swelling that occurs most commonly on the outer surface of the wrist heel spur A calcium deposit in the plantar fascia near its attachment to the heel bone. hemiparesis  Slight paralysis or weakness affecting one side of the body. hemiplegia  Total paralysis affecting only one side of the body. hernia  The protrusion of a part of a structure through the tissues normally containing it. hyperkinesia Abnormally increased motor function or activity; also known as hyperactivity. hypotonia  A condition of diminished tone of the skeletal muscles. impingement syndrome Inflamed and swollen tendons are caught in the narrow space between the bones within the shoulder joint. insertion The point where the muscle ends by attaching to a bone or tendon. intermittent claudication Pain in the leg muscles that occurs during exercise and is relieved by rest. muscular dystrophy  A group of more than 30 genetic diseases that are characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement, without affecting the nervous system. myasthenia gravis  A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the neuromuscular junction and produces serious weakness of voluntary muscles. myocele The herniation (protrusion) of muscle substance through a tear in the fascia surrounding it. myoclonus  The quick involuntary jerking of a muscle or group of muscles. myofascial release  A specialized soft-tissue manipulation technique used to ease the pain of conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, movement restrictions, temporomandibular joint disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome. myolysis  The degeneration of muscle tissue. myoparesis  Weakness or slight muscular paralysis. myorrhaphy  Surgical suturing of a muscle. neuromuscular  Pertaining to the relationship between a nerve and muscle. oblique Slanted or at an angle. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • origin The point where the muscle begins, located nearest the midline of the body or on a less movable part of the skeleton. paralysis The loss of sensation and voluntary muscle movements in a muscle through disease or injury to its nerve supply. paraplegia Paralysis of both legs and the lower part of the body. physiatrist  A physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation with the focus on restoring function. plantar fasciitis  Inflammation of the plantar fascia on the sole of the foot, causing foot or heel pain when walking or running. polymyositis  A muscle disease characterized by the simultaneous inflammation and weakening of voluntary muscles in many parts of the body. pronation  The act of rotating the arm or the leg so the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot is turned downward or backward quadriplegia  Paralysis of all four extremities. sarcopenia  The loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that come with aging. shin splint  A painful condition caused by the tibialis anterior muscle tearing away from the tibia (shin bone). singultus  Myoclonus of the diaphragm that causes the characteristic hiccup sound with each spasm; also known as hiccups. sphincter  A ring-like muscle that tightly constricts the opening of a passageway. sprain An injury to a joint, such as ankle, knee, or wrist, which usually occurs when a ligament is wrenched or torn. tenodesis  The suturing of the end of a tendon to a bone. tenolysis  The release of a tendon from adhesions. tenorrhaphy  The surgical suturing together of the divided ends of a tendon. tenosynovitis  An inflammation of the sheath surrounding a tendon. tenotomy  A surgical incision into a tendon. torticollis  A stiff neck due to spasmodic contraction of the neck muscles that pull the head toward the affected side; also known as wryneck. transverse  In a crosswise direction Fibers, Fascia, and Tendons o Fasciitis is inflammation of a fascia o (fasci means fascia, and -itis means inflammation).  Note the double “ii” that results from the suffix -itis being added to the word root fasci. o Fibromyalgia is a debilitating chronic condition characterized by fatigue; diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain; and a wide range of other symptoms o (fibr/o means fibrous tissue, my means muscle, and -algia means pain).  Debilitating means a condition causing weakness. o Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the sheath surrounding a tendon o (ten/o means tendon, synov means synovial membrane, and -itis means inflammation). o Tendinitis, sometimes spelled tendonitis, is an inflammation of the tendons caused by excessive or unusual use of the joint o tendin means tendon, and -itis means inflammation  The term tenonitis also means tendinitis. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder of unknown cause that affects many body systems. This condition is sometimes known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. • CFS is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and may be made worse by physical or mental activity. The symptoms of CFS are similar to those of fibromyalgia, and in fact the two diseases may be related. Muscle Disorders o An adhesion is a band of fibrous tissue that holds structures together abnormally. Adhesions can form in muscles or in internal organs, as the result of an injury or surgery. o Atrophy means weakness or wearing away body tissues and structures. Atrophy of a muscle or muscles can be caused by pathology or by disuse of the muscle over a long period of time. o Myalgia is tenderness or pain in the muscles o my means muscle, and -algia means pain o A myocele is the herniation (protrusion) of muscle substance through a tear in the fascia surrounding it o my/o means muscle, and -cele means a hernia  . A hernia is the protrusion of a part of a structure through the tissues normally containing it. o Myolysis is the degeneration of muscle tissue o my/o means muscle, and -lysis means destruction or breaking down in disease  Degeneration means deterioration or breaking down. Deterioration means the process of becoming worse. o Myorrhexis) is the rupture or tearing of a muscle o my/o means muscle, and -rrhexis means rupture o Polymyositis is a muscle disease characterized by the simultaneous inflammation and weakening of voluntary muscles in many parts of the body o poly- means many, myos means muscle, and -itis means inflammation.  The affected muscles are typically those closest to the trunk or torso, and the resulting weakness can be severe. o Rhabdomyolysis is a serious syndrome that can result from a direct or indirect muscle injury o rhabdomy/o means striated muscle, and -lysis means breakdown.  The death of muscle fibers releases their contents into the bloodstream, where they can lead to complications such as renal failure. o Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that come with aging o sarc/o means flesh, and -penia means deficiency.  A weight or resistance training program can significantly improve muscle mass and slow, but not stop, this process. Muscle Tone Muscle tone is the state of balanced muscle tension (contraction and relaxation) that makes normal posture, coordination, and movement possible. o Atonic means lacking normal muscle tone or strength o a- means without, ton means tone, and -ic means pertaining to o Dystonia is a condition of abnormal muscle tone that causes the impairment of voluntary muscle movement o dys- means bad, ton means tone, and -ia means condition o Hypotonia is a condition in which there is diminished tone of the skeletal muscles o hypo- means deficient, ton means tone, and -ia means condition Muscle Movement o Ataxia is the lack of muscle coordination during voluntary movement o a- means without, tax means coordination, and -ia means condition.  These movements, which are often shaky and unsteady, are most frequently caused by abnormal activity in the cerebellum o A contracture is the permanent tightening of fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or skin that occurs when normally elastic connective tissues are replaced with nonelastic fibrous tissues. The most common causes of contractures are scarring or the lack of use due to immobilization or inactivity. o Intermittent claudication is pain in the leg muscles that occurs during exercise and is relieved by rest. o Intermittent means coming and going at intervals, and claudication means limping.  This condition, which is due to poor circulation, is associated with peripheral vascular disease o A spasm is any sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles. A tic is a repeated spasm, often involving the eyelids or face. These movements are difficult or impossible to control. o Myoclonus is the quick, involuntary jerking of a muscle or group of muscles o my/o means muscle, clon means violent action, and -us is a singular noun ending.  Myoclonus may occur normally as a person is falling asleep or as the jerks, shakes, or spasms resulting from a neurological disorder such as epilepsy, a metabolic condition, or a response to medication. o Singultus also known as hiccups, is myoclonus of the diaphragm that causes the characteristic hiccup sound with each spasm. o A cramp is a painful localized muscle spasm often named for its cause, such as menstrual cramps or writer’s cramp. A charley horse is a slang term for a cramp, usually in the leg, that came into use in the 1880s among baseball players. o Torticollis also known as wryneck, is a stiff neck due to spasmodic contraction of the neck muscles that pull the head toward the affected side. Muscle Function o Bradykinesia is extreme slowness in movement o brady- means slow, kines means movement, and -ia means condition  This is one of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease o Dyskinesia is the distortion or impairment of voluntary movement resulting in fragmented or jerky motions o dys- means bad, kines means movement, and -ia means condition o Hyperkinesia, also known as hyperactivity, is abnormally increased muscle function or activity o hyper- means excessive, kines means movement, and -ia means condition Myasthenia Gravis Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the neuromuscular junction (where the neuron activates the muscle to contract) and produces serious weakness of voluntary muscles. Muscles that control eye movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often affected by this condition. Myasthenia means muscle weakness  my means muscle, and -asthenia means weakness or lack of strength. Gravis comes from the Latin word meaning grave or serious. Muscular Dystrophy The condition commonly known as muscular dystrophy is properly referred to in the plural, which is muscular dystrophies. This general term describes a group of more than 30 genetic diseases that are characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement, without affecting the nervous system. There is no specific treatment to stop or reverse any form of muscular dystrophy. Two of the most common forms are: • Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children. This condition affects primarily boys with onset between the ages of 3 and 5 years. The disorder progresses rapidly so that most of these boys are unable to walk by age 12 and later develop breathing difficulties and heart disease. Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is very similar to, but less severe than, Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Repetitive Stress Disorders Repetitive stress disorders, also known as repetitive motion disorders, are a variety of muscular conditions that result from repeated motions performed in the course of normal work, daily activities, or recreation such as sports. The symptoms caused by these frequently repeated motions involve muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints. o Compartment syndrome involves the compression of nerves and blood vessels due to swelling within the “compartment,” an enclosed space created by the fascia that separates groups of muscles. This syndrome can be caused by trauma, tight bandages or casts, or repetitive activities such as running. o Overuse injuries are minor tissue injuries that have not been given time to heal. These injuries can be caused by spending hours at the computer keyboard or by lengthy sports training sessions. o Overuse tendinitis also known as overuse tendinosis, is an inflammation of tendons caused by excessive or unusual use of a joint o tendin- means tendon, and -itis means inflammation o Stress fractures, which are usually overuse injuries Myofascial Pain Syndrome Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder that affects muscles and fascia throughout the body. This condition, which is caused by a muscle being contracted repetitively, is characterized by the development of trigger points, producing local and referred muscle pain. Trigger points are tender areas that most commonly develop where the fascia comes into contact with a muscle. Referred pain describes pain that originates in one area of the body but is felt in another. Rotator Cuff Injuries o Impingement syndrome occurs when inflamed and swollen tendons are caught in the narrow space between the bones within the shoulder joint. A common symptom of impingement syndrome is discomfort when raising your arm above your head. o Rotator cuff tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff. This condition is often named for the cause, such as tennis shoulder or pitcher’s shoulder. o A ruptured rotator cuff develops when rotator cuff tendinitis is left untreated or if the overuse continues. This occurs as the irritated tendon weakens and tears. Figure 4.13 Diagrammatic views of the rotator cuff in health (left) and with injuries (right). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms occur when the tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel are chronically overused and become inflamed and swollen. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, bony passage under the carpal ligament that is located just below the inner surface of the wrist. The median nerve and the tendons that bend the fingers pass through this tunnel. Carpal means pertaining to the wrist. When the tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel become inflamed and swollen, they pinch the nerve and cause carpal tunnel syndrome. o This swelling creates pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the tunnel. o Carpal tunnel release is the surgical enlargement of the carpal tunnel or cutting of the carpal ligament to relieve the pressure on tendons and nerves. Ganglion Cyst A ganglion cyst is a harmless, fluid-filled swelling that occurs most commonly on the outer surface of the wrist. This condition, which can be caused by repeated minor injuries, is usually painless and does not require treatment. (Do not confuse this use of the term ganglion here with nerve ganglions Epicondylitis Epicondylitis is inflammation of the tissues surrounding the elbow (epi- means on, condyl means condyle, and -itis means inflammation). Condyle refers to the round prominence at the end of a bone. • Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is characterized by pain on the outer side of the forearm. • Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow, is characterized by pain on the palmside of the forearm. Ankle and Foot Problems • A heel spur is a calcium deposit in the plantar fascia near its attachment to the calcaneus (heel) bone that can be one of the causes of plantar fasciitis. • Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia on the sole of the foot. This condition causes foot or heel pain when walking or running Figure 4.15 A heel spur and plantar fasciitis. • A sprain is an injury to a joint, such as an ankle, knee, or wrist, which usually occurs when a ligament is wrenched or torn. • A strain is an injury to the body of the muscle or to the attachment of a tendon. Strains usually are associated with overuse injuries that involve a stretched or torn muscle or tendon attachment. • A shin splint is a painful condition caused by the tibialis anterior muscle tearing away from the tibia (shin bone). Shin splints can develop in the anterolateral (front and side) muscles or in the posteromedial (back and middle) muscles of the lower leg. This type of injury is usually caused by repeated stress to the lower leg, such as running on hard surfaces. • A hamstring injury can be a strain or tear on any of the three hamstring muscles that straighten the hip and bend the knee. When these muscles contract too quickly, an injury can occur that is characterized by sudden and severe pain in the back of the thigh. • Achilles tendinitis is a painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon caused by excessive stress being placed on that tendon. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is an overuse injury. The iliotibial band runs from the hipbone, diagonally across the leg to the tibia. ITBS is caused by this band rubbing against bone, often in the area of the knee. As described in Chapter 3, the spinal cord is surrounded and protected by the bony vertebrae. This protection is essential because the spinal cord is soft, with the consistency of toothpaste.  The type of paralysis caused by a spinal cord injury (SCI) is determined by the level of the vertebra closest to the injury. The higher on the spinal cord the injury occurs, the greater the area of the body that may be affected.  An injury occurs when a vertebra is broken and a piece of the broken bone is pressing into the spinal cord. The cord can also be injured if the vertebrae are pushed or pulled out of alignment.  When the spinal cord is injured, the ability of the brain to communicate with the body below the level of the injury may be reduced or lost altogether. When that happens, the affected parts of the body will not function normally.  An incomplete injury means that the person has some function below the level of the injury, even though that function isn’t normal.  A complete injury means that there is complete loss of sensation and muscle control below the level of the injury; however, a complete injury does not mean that there is no hope of any improvement. Paralysis is the loss of sensation and voluntary muscle movements in a muscle through disease or injury to its nerve supply (plural, paralyses). Damage can be either temporary or permanent. o Myoparesis is a weakness or slight muscular paralysis (my/o means muscle, and -paresis means partial or incomplete paralysis). o Hemiparesis is slight paralysis or weakness affecting one side of the body o hemi- means half, and -paresis means partial or incomplete paralysis  Contrast hemiparesis with hemiplegia. o Hemiplegia is total paralysis affecting only one side of the body o hemi- means half, and -plegia means paralysis.  This form of paralysis is usually associated with a stroke or brain damage. Damage to one side of the brain causes paralysis on the opposite side of the body. An individual affected with hemiplegia is known as a hemiplegic. Contrast with hemiparesis. o Paraplegia is the paralysis of both legs and the lower part of the body. An individual affected with paraplegia is known as a paraplegic. Quadriplegia is paralysis of all four extremities (quadr/i means four, and -plegia means paralysis). An individual affected with quadriplegia is known as a quadriplegic. o Deep tendon reflexes are tested with a reflex hammer that is used to strike a tendon. A reflex is an involuntary response to a stimulus. No response or an abnormal response can indicate a disruption of the nerve supply to the involved muscles. Reflexes also are lost in deep coma or because of medication such as heavy sedation. o Range-of-motion testing (ROM) is a diagnostic procedure to evaluate joint mobility and muscle strength. ROM exercises are used to increase strength, flexibility, and mobility. o Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity within muscle fibers in response to nerve stimulation o electr/o means electricity, my/o means muscle, and -graphy means the process of producing a picture or record  The resulting record is called an electromyogram. Electromyography is most frequently used when people have symptoms of weakness and examination shows impaired muscle strength. o A muscle biopsy involves removal of a plug of tissue for examination. A biopsy needle is commonly used to obtain this specimen. Medications o An antispasmodic, also known as an anticholinergic, is administered to suppress smooth muscle contractions of the stomach, intestine, or bladder. For example, atropine is an antispasmodic that can be administered preoperatively to relax smooth muscles during surgery. o A skeletal muscle relaxant is administered to relax certain muscles and to relieve the stiffness, pain, and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, or other muscle injuries. These medications act on the central nervous system and may have a negative interaction with alcohol and some antidepressants o A neuromuscular blocker, also known as a neuromuscular blocking agent, is a drug that causes temporary paralysis by blocking the transmission of nerve stimuli to the muscles. These drugs are used as an adjunct to anesthesia during surgery to cause skeletal muscles to relax. As used here, adjunct means in addition to. Ergonomics is the study of the human factors that affect the design and operation of tools and the work environment. This term is usually applied to the design of equipment and workspaces, with the goal of reducing injuries, strain, and stress. Treatment Techniques o Myofascial release is a specialized soft-tissue manipulation technique used to ease the pain of conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, movement restrictions, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome. o Occupational therapy consists of activities to promote recovery and rehabilitation to assist patients in performing the activities of daily living (ADL). ADLs include grooming, eating, and dressing. o Physical therapy is treatment to prevent disability or restore function through the use of exercise, heat, massage, or other techniques. o Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to treat muscle injuries by generating heat deep within muscle tissue. This heat eases pain, reduces muscle spasms, and accelerates healing by increasing the flow of blood into the target tissues. o Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses a device that delivers electrical impulses through the skin, which cause changes in muscles. RICE The most common first aid treatment of muscular injuries is known by the acronym RICE. These letters stand for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest and ice are recommended for the first few days after the injury to ease pain. Compression, such as wrapping with a stretch bandage, and elevation help minimize swelling. After the first few days, as the pain decreases, using heat, accompanied by stretching and light exercises, helps bring blood to the injured area to speed healing. Fascia o A fasciotomy is a surgical incision through the fascia to relieve tension or pressure o fasci means fascia, and -otomy means a surgical incision  Without this procedure, which is commonly used to treat compartment syndrome, the pressure causes a loss of circulation that damages the affected tissues. o Fascioplasty is the surgical repair of a fascia o fasci/o means fascia, and -plasty means surgical repair Tendons o Tenodesis is the surgical suturing of the end of a tendon to a bone o ten/o means tendon, and -desis means to bind or tie together  Tenodesis is the opposite of tenolysis. o Tenolysis is the release of a tendon from adhesions o ten/o means tendon, and -lysis means to set free  Tenolysis is the opposite of tenodesis. o Tenorrhaphy is the surgical suturing together of the divided ends of a tendon o ten/o means tendon, and -rrhaphy means surgical suturing o Tenotomy is a surgical incision into a tendon o ten/o means tendon, and -otomy means surgical incision  Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle tenotomy (PNT) is used to treat chronic tendon pain by using ultrasound-guided needle insertions to stimulate scar tissue healing within the tendon.  PNT can be used in conjunction with platelet-rich plasma therapy, in which some of the patient’s blood is injected into the scar tissue to promote increased blood flow and healing. Muscles o Myorrhaphy is the surgical suturing of a muscle o my/o means muscle, and -rrhaphy means surgical suturing o A myotomy is a surgical incision into a muscle o my means muscle, and -otomy means surgical incision SCI spinal cord injury Deltoid muscular cap of the shoulder Flexion The movement during which the knees or elbows are bent to decrease the angle of the joints Plantar flexion bends the foot downward at the ankle