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

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

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 06:46 PM IST

The muscular and skeletal systems work together to provide support, movement, and protection to the human body. The skeletal system forms the rigid framework of bones and cartilage, while the muscular system enables movement by contracting and relaxing. In this article, the musculoskeletal system, muscular system, skeletal system, common disorders of the muscular system, common disorders of the skeletal system, diagnosis of muscular and skeletal disorders, and treatment and management strategies are discussed. Disorders of the muscular and skeletal system is a topic from the chapter Locomotion and Movement in Biology.

This Story also Contains

  1. The Musculoskeletal System
  2. Muscular System
  3. Skeletal System
  4. Common Disorders of the Muscular System
  5. Common Disorders of the Skeletal System
  6. Diagnosis of Muscular and Skeletal Disorders
  7. Treatment and Management Strategies
Disorders Of Muscular And Skeletal System: Definition, Types, Symptoms
Disorders Of Muscular And Skeletal System

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

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: Voluntary muscles that are linked to bones and are responsible for the locomotion of the body.

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

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

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Skeletal System

  • 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.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the role of proteoglycans in cartilage health and how are they affected in osteoarthritis?
A:
Proteoglycans are large molecules composed of a protein core with attached glycosaminoglycan chains. In cartilage, they play a crucial role in maintaining its structure and function. Proteoglycans attract water, giving cartilage its gel-like nature and ability to withstand compression. In osteoarthritis, there's a breakdown of proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix. This leads to a loss of water content and elasticity in the cartilage, making it less able to cushion and protect the ends of bones in joints.
Q: What is the relationship between bone marrow and hematopoiesis in the context of skeletal disorders?
A:
Bone marrow, found within the cavities of bones, is crucial for hematopoiesis - the production of blood cells. In some skeletal disorders, such as certain types of osteoporosis or bone marrow cancers like multiple myeloma, the structure and function of bone marrow can be affected. This can lead to abnormalities in blood cell production. Conversely, some blood disorders can affect bone health. For example, sickle cell disease can cause bone infarction and osteonecrosis. Understanding this relationship is important for comprehending the systemic effects of some skeletal disorders.
Q: How does osteoarthritis progression differ in weight-bearing versus non-weight-bearing joints?
A:
Osteoarthritis progression typically occurs more rapidly and severely in weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and the lower spine. These joints are subject to more stress and wear over time due to supporting body weight and movement. Non-weight-bearing joints, like those in the hands, can also develop osteoarthritis, but the progression is often slower and less severe. Excess body weight can accelerate osteoarthritis in weight-bearing joints, highlighting the importance of weight management in prevention and treatment.
Q: How does Paget's disease affect bone remodeling?
A:
Paget's disease is a disorder that disrupts the normal cycle of bone remodeling. In healthy bone, there's a balance between osteoclasts (cells that break down old bone) and osteoblasts (cells that build new bone). In Paget's disease, this balance is disrupted. Initially, there's excessive bone breakdown, followed by rapid new bone formation. However, this new bone is typically larger, weaker, and more prone to fractures than normal bone. This abnormal remodeling can lead to bone deformities, pain, and other complications.
Q: How does Dupuytren's contracture affect hand function?
A:
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition where fibrous tissue in the palm of the hand thickens and tightens, causing one or more fingers to bend inward towards the palm. This contracture typically develops slowly over years and most commonly affects the ring and little fingers. As it progresses, it can significantly impair hand function, making it difficult to fully extend the affected fingers. This can interfere with everyday activities like shaking hands, putting on gloves, or reaching into pockets.

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 Options 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.

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

  • Treatment and Lifestyle 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 ageing processes and injury to joints.

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

Bone Fractures

The details are given below:

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 Options: 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

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does hypermobility syndrome differ from other joint disorders?
A:
Hypermobility syndrome, also known as joint hypermobility syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type, is characterized by joints that easily move beyond the normal range expected for that particular joint. Unlike many other joint disorders that cause stiffness or reduced mobility, hypermobility syndrome results in excessive joint flexibility. This can lead to joint instability, frequent dislocations, and chronic pain. It's often accompanied by other symptoms like easy bruising and skin hyperextensibility. The challenge in hypermobility is not increasing flexibility, but rather improving joint stability and muscle strength to support the overly flexible joints.
Q: What is the role of growth factors in bone healing and how is this applied in treating fractures?
A:
Growth factors play a crucial role in bone healing by stimulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and matrix synthesis. Key growth factors involved include bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). These proteins help recruit stem cells to the injury site, promote their differentiation into bone-forming cells, and stimulate the production of bone matrix. In treating complex fractures or non-union fractures, synthetic growth factors, particularly BMPs, can be applied locally to enhance bone formation and accelerate healing. This application of growth factors is an example of how understanding biological processes can lead to advanced treatment strategies.
Q: How does myasthenia gravis affect neuromuscular junctions, and what are its primary symptoms?
A:
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction - the site where nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles. In this condition, antibodies attack and destroy acetylcholine receptors on muscle cells. This interference with neurotransmission leads to muscle weakness and rapid fatigue. Primary symptoms include drooping eyelids (ptosis), double vision (diplopia), difficulty swallowing and speaking, and weakness in the arms and legs. The weakness typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. Understanding the mechanism of myasthenia gravis at the neuromuscular junction is crucial for developing targeted treatments.
Q: What is the difference between acute and chronic compartment syndrome?
A:
Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure within a muscle compartment increases to dangerous levels, compromising blood flow and potentially leading to muscle and nerve damage. Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency, typically caused by severe injuries like fractures or crush injuries. It develops rapidly and requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent tissue damage. Chronic compartment syndrome, also known as exertional compartment syndrome, is less severe and typically occurs during exercise. It's characterized by recurring pain and tightness in affected muscles, which subsides with rest.
Q: What is the difference between primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon?
A:
Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition where blood vessels in the extremities overreact to cold or stress, causing reduced blood flow. Primary Raynaud's, also called Raynaud's disease, occurs on its own without an underlying medical condition. It's generally less severe and more common. Secondary Raynaud's, also known as Raynaud's syndrome, is caused by an underlying disease or condition, often autoimmune disorders like scleroderma or lupus. Secondary Raynaud's is typically more severe and has a higher risk of tissue damage due to reduced blood flow.
Q: How does psoriatic arthritis differ from rheumatoid arthritis?
A:
While both psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are autoimmune forms of arthritis, they have distinct characteristics. PsA is associated with psoriasis, a skin condition, and often affects the joints asymmetrically. It can also cause changes in the nails and inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bones (enthesitis). RA typically affects joints symmetrically and is not associated with skin conditions. The pattern of joint involvement and the presence of specific antibodies in the blood also differ between these two conditions.
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