Common diseases Of the Muscular System

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The muscular system is composed of three types of muscles: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. These muscles enable body movement, maintain posture, and support vital functions such as digestion and blood circulation.

There are several common diseases associated with the muscular system, including:

Motor Neuron Disease (MND)
Motor neuron disease (MND) refers to a group of conditions that affect the nerves (motor neurons) in the brain and spinal cord, which control muscle movement. In MND, these nerves stop transmitting signals to the muscles, causing them to weaken, stiffen, and waste away. A well-known example is Stephen Hawking, who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of MND that gradually paralyzed him throughout his life. Remarkably, he lived to 76 despite being diagnosed at 21 and given a two-year prognosis, showcasing both his resilience and the body's complexities.

The exact cause of MND remains unclear, but researchers believe it results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studying these factors helps researchers understand how and why the disease develops.

MND affects functions like walking, talking, eating, drinking, and breathing. In some cases, it can also alter thinking and behavior. However, the disease affects individuals differently, with varying symptoms and progression rates, making it difficult to predict. Although MND is life-shortening and has no cure, managing symptoms can improve quality of life.
(Source: MND Association)

Central Core Disease
Central core disease gets its name from the appearance of muscles under a microscope, which show distinct areas lacking normal cell components such as mitochondria and the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This condition is caused by a mutation in the ryanodine receptor gene (RYR1). Although inherited, symptoms may not always be apparent in parents due to incomplete expression of the gene.

Central core disease can delay motor development, with affected children sometimes not walking until the age of 3 or 4. In some cases, symptoms emerge later in adulthood, though they tend to be milder. Occasionally, symptoms become noticeable only after anesthesia, triggering a severe reaction in individuals with the disorder.
(Source: Verywell Health)

Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson's disease typically develops later in life and occurs due to a lack of dopamine, as the nerve cells responsible for producing this chemical die off. Most people with parkinsonism have idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, meaning the cause is unknown. The primary symptoms include tremors, rigidity (stiffness), and slowness of movement.

Different forms of parkinsonism include:

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA): In addition to motor symptoms, people with MSA may experience incontinence, swallowing difficulties, and dizziness.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: This form affects eye movement, balance, mobility, speech, and swallowing. It is also known as Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: This form primarily impacts the lower body, causing walking difficulties, urinary incontinence, and memory problems.
(Source: Parkinson’s UK)

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