What is the general effect of immobilization on connective tissues? What are the implications for these changes?

What will be an ideal response?

ANS:
The responses can be numerous. Because the collagen fibers in tendons, ligaments, and capsules orient themselves according to the tensile stresses imposed, reduction in these stresses will result in a random arrangement of fibers which, once stresses are reimposed, cannot resist heretofore normal magnitudes of load. There is also a loss of proteoglycans (therefore water). Both the water loss and the random arrangement of fibers result in a tissue that is stiffer and will move more rapidly to failure, especially at points of insertion. Cartilage, which is dependent upon compression and release for nutrition, will gradually deteriorate. Because the trabeculae in cancellous bone respond to imposed stresses, reduction of stresses will result in thinning of trabeculae and reduced strength of the bone (more readily fracturing under smaller loads).

Health Professions

You might also like to view...

To obtain health insurance coverage after you leave a job, it is important that you ask the previous employer's insurance company for

A. continued insurance coverage until you find alternative insurance. B. details of your insurance coverage. C. a copy of your medical record. D. a certificate of insurance coverage.

Health Professions

The primary antagonists to the flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris muscles are the

a. extensor carpi radialis and extensor digitorum muscles. b. extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis. c. extensor carpi ulnaris and extensor digitorum. d. extensor carpi radialis brevis and longus and the extensor carpi ulnaris.

Health Professions