Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system includes muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Their purpose is to make it possible for the human body to go about its every day functions and more. They also help maintain the body's correct form and posture. Not all muscles and movements in the body can be controlled. There are involuntary and voluntary muscle movements. Involuntary would include: breathing, blinking, digesting food, etc. Voluntary include: walking, talking, writing, laughing, waving, etc.
What Muscles Are Used When Walking?
There are various muscle contractions occurring in the body each step a person makes when they walk. The main muscles include: quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. There are several other smaller muscles that are involved and have a large role in this process. Each section of the body has a different contraction. Muscles located in the lower legs have the role to lift toes, heels, and feet for each step. These muscles are also responsible for flexing and extending the gastrocnemius. The upper body uses muscles to help support the torso. Though these muscles are not directly used, they still help in the walking motion. Muscles along the abdomen and back assist the upright body posture while walking. The quadriceps and upper leg muscles aid in the flexibility in the legs and hips. This enables the walking movement. These muscles are also responsible for the ability to bend the knee in the walking movement.
Diseases
GoutUric crystals form in the synovial joint because they are not secreted. Bulging in the skin is common and is also noticeable. Crystals are most noticeable in the advanced stage.
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OsteoarthritisCartilage breaks down between bones. It can cause bones to crush and rub together. It causes severe pain and sometimes even swelling can occur.
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RhabdomyolysisThe destruction and wasting away of muscles and the kidneys. As muscle breaks down, proteins go into the blood stream. The kidneys cannot handle the excess amount of protein and being to shut down. Death is common.
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OsteoporosisIt is more common in woman than men. Old age can cause bone density to reduce. Bones begin to deteriorate. Exercise and get enough calcium to help treatment.
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FibromyalgiaHypersensitivity to pain. Trigger points are in all the muscles. There is always intense muscle pain. There is not an explanation on how it develops.
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ArthritisJoint tissue becomes less resilient to wear and tear and starts to degenerate. Causes swelling, pain and loss of mobility in joint.
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Osteolmalacia"Soft bones" is when there is not enough calcium being deposited within the early childhood development.
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Carpal Tunnel SyndromeOveruse/flexing of the wrist and fingers. Constant flexing movements cause inflammation and can thicken the ligament which traps and compresses the nerves in the wrist and hand.
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TendonitisThe constant strain of a tendon which attaches muscle to bone. It can cause the tendon to become inflamed. It typically takes a long time to heal.
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Muscular DystrophyThe muscles that control movement weaken over time. Common in males but can happen to anyone. People with muscular dystrophy typically do not live to their late 20's. It is very life threatening and there is no cure.
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Citation
http://www.dmu.edu/medterms/musculoskeletal-system/musculoskeletal-system-diseases/http://www.thefreedictionary.com/muscle+system
http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/muscles-walking-exercise-1837.html
Other information from: the Pathophysiology Made Incredibly Easy book
http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/muscles-walking-exercise-1837.html
Other information from: the Pathophysiology Made Incredibly Easy book