Chapter 7 (A-M)

aponeurosis

A strong, flat sheet of fibrous connective tissue that serves as a tendon to attach muscles to bone or as fascia to bind muscles together or to other tissues at their origin or insertion

dermatomyositis

Acute or chronic disease with systemic pathology; inflammation of the muscles and the skin; a connective tissue disease characterized by edema, dermatitis, and inflammation of the muscles.

dystrophy

Any condition of abnormal development caused by defective nourishment, often noted by the degeneration of muscles

contracture

Condition in which a muscle shortens and renders the muscle resistant to the normal stretching process.

dystonia

Condition of impaired muscle tone

First Aid Treatment— RICE (Rest Ice Compression Elevation)

Cryotherapy (use of cold) is the treatment of choice for soft-tissue and muscle injuries. It causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels and is effective in diminishing bleeding and edema. Ice should not be placed directly onto the skin. Compression by an elastic bandage is generally determined by the type of injury and physician preference. Some experts disagree on the use of elastic bandages. When used, the bandage should be 3-4 inches wide and applied firmly. Toes or fingers should be periodically checked for blue or white discoloration, indicating that the bandage is too tight. Elevation is used to reduce swelling. The injured part should be elevated above the level of the heart.

fibromyalgia syndrome

Disorder with chronic, widespread musculoskeletal (MS) pain and fatigue. Other symptoms include sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and chronic headaches. Although the exact cause is still unknown, fibromyalgia is often traced to an injury or physical or emotional trauma.

fasciitis

Inflammation of a fascia

fibromyitis

Inflammation of muscle and fibrous tissue; also known as fibromyositis

muscle spasm

Involuntary contraction of one or more muscles; usually accompanied by pain and the limitation of function

massage

Kneading that applies pressure and friction to external body tissues

ataxia

Lack of muscular coordination; an inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements that is symptomatic of some nervous disorders

flaccid

Lacking muscle tone; weak, soft, flabby

atrophy

Literally means a lack of nourishment; wasting away of muscular tissue that may be caused by lack of use or lack of nerve stimulation of the muscle.

isometric

Literally means pertaining to having equal measure; increasing tension of muscle while maintaining equal length

dactylospasm

Medical term for cramp of a finger or toe

antagonist

Muscle that counteracts the action of another muscle; when one contracts, the other relaxes

adductor

Muscle that draws a part toward the middle

abductor

Muscle that on contraction draws away from the middle

levator

Muscle that raises or elevates a part

biceps

Muscle with two heads or points of origin

brachialgia

Pain in the arm

diaphragm

Partition of muscles and membranes that separates the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity.

exercise

Performed activity of the muscles for improvement of health or correction of deformity

atonic

Pertaining to a lack of normal tone or tension; the lack of normal muscle tone

clonic

Pertaining to alternate contraction and relaxation of muscles

isotonic

Pertaining to having the same tone or tension

intramuscular

Pertaining to within a muscle, such as an IM injection

insertion

Point of attachment of a muscle to the part that it moves

contraction

Process of drawing up and thickening of a muscle fiber

dystrophin

Protein found in muscle cells. When the gene that is responsible for this protein is defective and sufficient dystrophin is not produced, muscle wasting occurs

muscular dystrophy

Refers to a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal or voluntary muscles that control movement. The muscles of the heart and some other involuntary muscles are also affected in some forms of MD, and a few forms involve other organs as well.

bradykinesia

Slowness of motion or movement

amputation

Surgical or traumatic removal of a limb, part, or other appendage.

heat

Thermotherapy; treatment using scientific application of heat can be used 48-72 hours after the injury. Types: heating pad, hot water bottle, hot packs, infrared light, and immersion of body part in warm water.

fascia

Thin layer of connective tissue covering, supporting, or connecting the muscles or inner organs of the body

diathermy

Treatment using high-frequency current to produce heat within a part of the body; used to increase blood flow but should not be used in acute stage of recovery from trauma

hydrotherapy

Treatment using scientific application of water; types: hot tub, cold bath, whirlpool, and vapor bath