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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

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The musculoskeletal system is the body system that consists of muscles, bones, neuromuscular junctions, ligaments, and tendons. The purpose of the musculoskeletal system is to generate force and to produce movement. This is done by contracting muscles which in turn pull bones and create movement. Like any body system, function follows form, and vice versa. The anatomy and position of the neuromuscular junction, sarcoplasmic reticulum and transverse tubules allow action potential to quickly spread across the entire muscle. The construction of a sarcomere allows it to contract quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, muscle contraction demonstrates that form follows function, as it is necessary for muscles to contract in a quick and coordinated …show more content…
It links the actin filaments to the protein extracellular matrix in the membrane known as the dystrophin-associated protein complex. The primary function appears to be to provide mechanical reinforcement to the structure of the sarcolemma and protect the membrane from stress or tearing during contraction.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an inherited neuromuscular disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system, and is caused by a genetic mutation which disrupts the production of dystrophin. It causes progressive loss of muscle mass and eventually leads to death of the muscle tissue. The main symptom of muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness. However, different signs and symptoms begin at different ages and in different muscle groups depending on the specific type of muscular …show more content…
Additionally, the membrane breaks down allowing substances like proteins and enzymes to leak out of the fiber. Meanwhile, extracellular substances leak into the fiber disrupting muscle contraction and causing irreparable damage. Without dystrophin to protect the fiber membrane structure and assist in generating energy, the muscles begin to degenerate and atrophy. They are replaced by fat and fibrous scar tissue, which creates fascia adhesions throughout the body. This causes symptoms such as enlarged muscles and muscle pain and stiffness. Research suggests that the major determinate of membrane damage is the level of stress associated with contraction not the number of muscle activations. This explains why muscular dystrophy primarily affects the peripheral

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