Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System
Jennifer belongs to a women’s rugby team. At 23 years old, she has been playing for five years and trains daily to keep up her strength and stamina. During one game, she was injured. Unable to walk, she was carried off the field supported by her coach and an athletic therapist. At the hospital, after an examination and MRI of her right knee, she was given her diagnosis. Jennifer suffered what is often termed the “O’Donoghue triad”: a ruptured medial collateral ligament, a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, and tear of the medial meniscus.
- Jennifer’s injury involved the complete tearing of two ligaments. What are the similarities and differences between the anatomy and function of ligaments and tendons?
- Jennifer’s rehabilitation will include techniques that will increase her joint proprioception. What is proprioception, and what will occur if this neural function is not restored?
- The knee joint exemplifies a diarthrodial joint. What are the anatomy of the synovial membrane and the importance of synovial fluid in such a joint?