The Muscular system
What Doctors know about musclesWe know that there are about 650 muscles in the human body. Not all of the muscles are visible. Some muscles, like the cardiac and smooth muscles are internal muscles that are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The skeletal muscles are the ones that we think about when we hear the word “muscle.” When we talk about muscle health and safety, we talk about all three types of muscles. You might be surprised to learn that there is not a specialist doctor for the muscular system. Neurologists and orthopedists may treat diseases of the muscular system.
The main job of muscles is to move things- move blood, move oxygen, move waste, move food, move nutrients, move YOU! Our bodies are made to move and all three muscles types make it happen. |
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Muscle GrowthSome kids wish they could have muscles like their favorite athletes but professional athletes have adult bodies which are different from kids’ bodies in many ways. Until after puberty, boys and girls cannot build muscles like their favorite athletes. There are ways that both boys and girls can build strong and healthy muscles without “pumping iron.” It may sound simple, but playing, running, jumping, dancing and riding your bike are all ways to develop strong and healthy muscles. More playtime = stronger, happier, healthier bodies.
Some people say that eating a protein-rich diet (like meat and eggs) will help to develop strong muscles but muscles, and the rest of the body will be stronger if you eat a variety of healthy foods – instead of just one type. |
Muscle TOolsElectromyography (EMG) is a tool that helps doctors to diagnose muscular and nervous system diseases. The doctor connects the EMG to the patient. The electrodes stimulate the nerves and the EMG records the responses. Irregular muscle responses can mean that there is damage to the nerves or muscles tissues. Sometimes steroids or minor chemotherapy (radiation) are used to reduce muscle spasms or cramping.
Ouch! Muscle crampsSometimes you might feel a pain in your muscles. It usually means that a muscle has contracted and won’t relax. It is called a muscle spasm. Massaging the muscle will usually help it to relax. Muscle spasms are normal and don’t usually last very long.
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Watch a videoLove your MusclesMuscles move your blood, food, waste, oxygen, excrement, carbon dioxide and YOU! The muscles in the body work with other body systems to keep the body running smoothly, so lets take care of those muscles!
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Muscle CondiitonsThere are some common neuromuscular (affect the muscular and nervous system) conditions you may know about.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects how messages travel on the nerves. When messages have trouble moving through the body, the muscles have trouble responding. People with MS might have vision problems and feel unsteady on their feet. In muscular dystrophy, (MD) the muscle fibres are damaged and become very weak. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that develops before a baby is born. People with CP have trouble making smooth coordinated muscle movements. |