Using Internet resources, discuss one disease of each of these three systems: (1) skeletal system, (2) muscular system, and (3) nervous system. Include causes, symptoms, and risk factors of each disease in your discussion.
Answer (1)
Below are discussions on three diseases, each affecting a different bodily system:
Skeletal System: Osteoporosis
Causes: Osteoporosis is often caused by an imbalance in bone remodeling, where bone loss outpaces bone formation. Contributing factors include hormonal changes (especially in postmenopausal women), poor nutrition, and genetic factors.
Symptoms: The disease often progresses without obvious symptoms. However, as bones become weaker, symptoms might include back pain, a decrease in height over time, and an increased risk of fractures, especially in the hip, wrist, and spine.
Risk Factors: Age (more common in older adults), gender (more prevalent in women), family history, low body weight, and a lack of calcium and vitamin D are significant risk factors. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, may also increase risk.
Muscular System: Muscular Dystrophy
Causes: Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by muscle weakness and wasting. It is caused by genetic mutations that affect proteins necessary for healthy muscle function.
Symptoms: Symptoms can vary based on the type of muscular dystrophy. Common symptoms include progressive muscle weakness, difficulty walking, loss of reflexes, and coordination issues. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most common form, often appears in early childhood.
Risk Factors: Family history is a significant risk factor since muscular dystrophy is inherited. It affects all races and genders, though some types are more prevalent in males.
Nervous System: Parkinson’s Disease
Causes: The exact cause of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown, but it involves the loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. A combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to contribute to this condition.
Symptoms: Parkinson's Disease is characterized by tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance difficulties. Other symptoms can include speech changes, mood alterations, and cognitive challenges.
Risk Factors: Age is the primary risk factor, as the disease generally develops in older adults. Family history and being exposed to toxins such as pesticides may also increase risk.
These discussions highlight the complexity and interrelation of factors such as genetics and lifestyle in the development of diseases affecting different bodily systems.
