Muscles

Muscles

Properties:Excitable - responds to an external stimulus.Conductivity - can pass stimuli on.Contractility - ability to shorten.Elasticity - ability to return to original shape.Functions:Create movement - by contracting.Stabilises joints.Maintains posture.Maintains body temperature.External conformation.

Muscle 

Muscle Injury:Known as myopathies (can by exertional or non-exertional). See flash cards.

Muscle Repair:3 stages:Inflammation- Seen as heat, pain, loss of function and swelling.- Damaged tissues release histamines which increase the blood flow to the area.- The histamines cause the capillaries to leak, releasing phagocytes and clotting factors into the wound.- Phagocytes engulf bacteria, dead cells and cell debris.- Platelets move out of the capillaries to seal the wound area.- Haematomas result when the venous return system becomes blocked.Proliferation- The process by which new capillaries are created.- Endothelial cells produce new blood vessels.- Fibroblasts produce collagen for strength.- Fibroblasts and the new capillaries produce granular tissue.Remodelling- The process by which the tissue returns to normal.It can take 1 - 2 months for the muscle to appear normal (morphologically) however the new tissue will not have as high a tensile strength for up to 6 weeks following apparent recovery. Must be taken into account during rehabilitation.Muscle can return to it's preinjury state if:- It is not restricted by haematoma.- The base membrane is not damaged.

New Page