Tetany vs. Tetanus: Causes and Symptoms

Tetany vs. Tetanus

• Tetany is a medical sign, or tetanic seizure, of involuntary muscle contraction.
• Tetany is caused by disorders increasing the action potential frequency of muscle cells or the nerves innervating them.
• Tetany can result from electrolyte imbalance, often low calcium (hypocalcemia), or magnesium, potassium deficiency, along with increased acidic (acidosis) or alkaline (alkalosis) conditions in the body.
• Toxins are not involved in tetany.
• Severe vitamin D deficiency can cause hypocalcemia, which may lead to tetany or seizures.
• Death from tetany is only possible if it impairs the respiratory tract.
• Tetanus is an infectious disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani.
• Tetanus can result from intravenous drugs injected through contaminated needles.
• The tetanus bacterium releases tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin.
• Tetanospasmin acts on the synapses, causing muscular spasms and neuromuscular junction blockage.
• Functional impairments from tetanus manifest as flexor muscle spasms.
• The toxin in tetanus impacts the sympathetic nervous system, leading to autonomic dysfunction.
• Death from tetanus can occur when the infection is severe.

Summary of Chapter 16

• The human skeleton provides the body's framework.
• The study of human bones is called osteology.
• Bones have distinct regions: epiphysis, diaphysis, and metaphysis covered by various layers.
• Bones and cartilage consist of numerous cells.
• Cartilage types in the skeleton play a vital role in protecting joints.
• The human skeleton is formed by numerous bones and consists of the axial and appendicular skeletons.
• Bones are joined to form different joints which are fibrous, synovial, and cartilaginous.
• Disorders of the skeletal system include disc slip, spondylosis, sciatica, and arthritis.
• Bone fracture repair occurs in stages: hematoma formation, internal and external callus formation, cartilage replacement by trabecular bone, and remodeling.
• First-aid is used for joint injuries like dislocation and sprain.
• The three types of muscles in the body perform movement.
• Skeletal muscles are found in organs that work voluntarily.
• Non-skeletal muscles are found in involuntary organs.
• Cardiac muscles are found in the heart.
• Skeletal muscle fibers have myofibrils containing actin and myosin protein filaments.
• Actin and myosin filaments are cross-linked and perform muscle contraction.
• Abnormal muscle contraction can result in tetany and cramps.