The Skeletal System case study-Crystal Lee

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The Skeletal System - Aging and Disease The skeletal system is required for nearly every body movement. It also supports the body at rest, protects vital organs, and produces blood cells. However, like any other system, it is susceptible to disease. Different diseases become more (or less) likely as the body ages. A few common diseases include scoliosis, arthritis, and osteoporosis Scoliosis Scoliosis is defined as an “s” or “c” shaped spinal curvature. It is most often diagnosed during adolescence, partially due puberty, a biological time period which causes abnormal growth spurts to the skeletal system. Pre-existing conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy may contribute to scoliosis, although the primary cause remains to be identified. Typically, scoliosis is formally diagnosed after an x-ray examining the spinal column has been performed. Children may require additional x-rays to monitor the status of the spine as they progress through puberty. Surgery may be required to correct the condition, however, back braces may be sufficient; and, in some cases, no treatment is required. Arthritis Arthritis is caused by joint inflammation, and is often seen in the hands, knees, or hips. There are two primary branches of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused be an autoimmune disorder, whereas osteoarthritis is caused by natural wear and tear experienced by joints in everyday life. Symptoms of both types include joint pain, redness, swelling, and stiffness. The cartilage which coats the ends of the bones connected by the joint, decreases over time and may even result in bone-on-bone grinding in severe cases. As to be expected, osteoarthritic symptoms typically worsen as the body ages. In rheumatoid arthritis, the decrease in cartilage may be accelerated by local attacks from the immune system on the lining of the joint capsule. Osteoporosis Bones are living tissues which must constantly be renewed by healthy, nutrient-laden cells. Healthy, young bones typically replace older bone with new structures faster than then are diminished. This ensures that a robust bone pool constantly supplies the skeletal system. However, as bodies age, bone regeneration slows. Osteoporosis can occur if the creation of new bone does not match the degeneration of previous bone. When osteoporosis sets in, bones become brittle and weak. This makes routine body movements, such as coughing, reaching down, or traversing a staircase, dangerous as the bones may snap or suffer a fracture. It can also be observed through symptoms such as back pain or decreased height. It is very important to monitor diet when the body is young to develop a hearty nutrient pool for later use. Calcium consumption, in particular, plays a major role in the prevention of osteoporosis. Discussion/Research Questions: A subtle spinal curve exists in all humans. It is only when the spine curves in excess that scoliosis is diagnosed. Provide one reason why a gentle, natural curve typically exists. The results of the curves are so the head can balance above the center of the pelvis. In the ideal state, minimal energy expenditure is necessary to maintain the head in this position when relaxed. Scoliosis is often more commonly identified in females than males, and females often require more treatment. Why do you believe this is true? Scoliosis is more predominant in young girls is because of the overall anatomical differences between men and women. Especially when going through puberty. How might an eating disorder affect one’s likelihood to develop osteoporosis? Does the age at which one encounters an eating disorder affect this likelihood? Eating disorders usually starts during the teenage years when bones are still growing and developing both their structure and strength. Malnutrition and low weight slow or halt bone development and growth. YES. People who develop eating disorders at a younger age are at risk of both failing to build bone during growth and also losing bone prematurely. These individuals usually have the most brittle bones and are most susceptible to fracture. Gastrointestinal surgery is a treatment method which can be used to promote weight loss. In this surgery, the size of the stomach may decrease, and parts of the intestinal tract may be removed. How might this affect the potential for a body to develop osteoarthritis? Weight loss can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints, limit further injury, increase mobility, and reduce the risk of associated health problems. Why might arthritis be particularly problematic for weight bearing joints such as the hips or knees? The cartilage normally serves as a bearing in the joint. When the bearing wears away from constant weight being applied, the result is a roughed joint surface that causes the pain and stiffness that people associate with osteoarthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, American females outnumber males in rheumatoid arthritis cases at a ratio of approximately 2.5:1. It often onsets between 25 - 50 years old, but some children have expressed symptoms as well. However, the overall frequency of arthritis is much more evenly dispersed, at a rate of approximately 60% female and 40% male, and both sexes tend to exhibit symptoms after about 50 years of age. Why do you think this may be? Rheumatoid arthritis is often triggered by decreased estrogen, causing more women to be susceptible to it than men. However, the over frequency of arthritis more evenly disbursed between both sexes due to the normal wear and tear a body takes within it’s lifetime. Reference Documentation: 1. Understanding arthritis/disease center. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.arthritis.org/conditionstreatments/disease-center/women/ 2. WebMD. (2005-2013). Rheumatoid arthritis health center. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/rheumatoid-arthritis-overview_facts 3. Mayo Clinic. (2013, January 22). Arthritis. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arthritis/DS01122 4. Mayo Clinic. (2013, February 3). Scoliosis. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scoliosis/DS00194 5. Mayo Clinic. (2013, June 21). Osteoporosis. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoporosis/DS00128