Flexor tetanus is a medical term referring to a type of muscle contraction caused by a stimulus. It is pronounced /ˈflɛksər tɛtənəs/ in IPA phonetic transcription, where the symbol /ˈflɛksər/ represents the stressed syllable "flexor" and the symbol /tɛtənəs/ represents the unstressed syllable "tetanus". The word "flexor" refers to a muscle that contracts to bend a joint, while "tetanus" refers to a sustained muscle contraction. Understanding the correct spelling and pronunciation of this medical term is important for effective communication in the healthcare field.
Flexor tetanus is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the prolonged contraction or spasms of the muscles involved in flexion. Flexion refers to the bending of a joint that decreases the angle between two bones. Typically caused by the excessive stimulation of motor neurons, flexor tetanus commonly affects the muscles of the limbs, particularly the upper limbs, causing them to remain in a flexed and contracted state for an extended period.
The condition occurs due to the consistent firing of motor neurons that innervate the flexor muscles. In a normal muscle contraction, muscle fibers contract and relax with rhythmicity. However, in flexor tetanus, the muscle fibers contract but do not fully relax, leading to continuous pathological muscle contractions. This sustained contraction results in the characteristic rigidity and spasm observed in individuals with flexor tetanus.
Flexor tetanus can present with various symptoms, including muscle stiffness, severe pain, limited range of motion, and muscle weakness in the affected body part. The severity of symptoms can range from mild to extremely debilitating, depending on the underlying cause and individual factors. It is important to differentiate flexor tetanus from other conditions that may present with muscle contractions, such as dystonia or spasticity.
Treatment of flexor tetanus involves addressing the underlying cause, which may include medications to reduce muscle spasms, physical therapy to improve range of motion, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent long-term complications, such as muscle atrophy and contractures.
T. affecting chiefly the flexor muscles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "flexor tetanus" combines two components: "flexor" and "tetanus".
- "Flexor" comes from the Latin word "flexor", which means "bender" or "one who bends". It is derived from the verb "flectere", which means "to bend" or "to flex". In medical terminology, "flexor" refers to a muscle that causes flexion or bending of a joint.
- "Tetanus" originates from the Greek word "tetanos", which means "stiffness" or "tension". It is further derived from the verb "tetaino", meaning "I stretch" or "I tighten". Tetanus is a medical condition characterized by prolonged muscle contractions and stiffness.