Textbook Question
Complaining of muscle weakness, Delia goes to the doctor. Devise a series of physical examination tests that would help to determine if her problem involves upper or lower motor neurons.
556
views
Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology26
- Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Life38
- Ch. 3 The Cell55
- Ch. 4 Histology47
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System30
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Tissue36
- Ch. 7 The Skeletal System40
- Ch. 8 Articulations19
- Ch. 9 The Muscular System36
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue and Physiology29
- Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue28
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System42
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System41
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis31
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses39
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System42
- Ch. 17 The Cardiovascular System I: The Heart30
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System II: The Blood Vessels43
- Ch. 19 Blood32
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Immunity45
- Ch. 21 The Respiratory System27
- Ch. 22 The Digestive System27
- Ch. 23 Metabolism and Nutrition7
- Ch. 24 The Urinary System39
- Ch. 25 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis39
- Ch. 26 The Reproductive System10
- Ch. 27 Development and Heredity5
Chapter 13, Problem L3.3
When Mr. Williams goes to the emergency department with pain in the area along the midline of the diaphragm, he worries he is having a heart attack. Could the pain be related to his heart? Could it be related to any other organ(s)? Explain.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the location of the pain: The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the thoracic cavity, separating it from the abdominal cavity. Pain along the midline of the diaphragm could be referred pain from organs in the thoracic or abdominal regions.
Consider the possibility of cardiac involvement: Pain in the midline of the diaphragm could be related to the heart, as cardiac pain (e.g., from a heart attack or angina) is often referred to areas such as the chest, left arm, jaw, or even the epigastric region (upper abdomen). This is due to shared nerve pathways between the heart and these regions.
Evaluate other potential causes: The diaphragm is in close proximity to several other organs, including the stomach, esophagus, liver, and lungs. Pain in this area could also be related to conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a hiatal hernia, or even issues with the liver or gallbladder.
Understand referred pain mechanisms: Referred pain occurs when pain from one organ is perceived in a different location due to shared sensory pathways in the spinal cord. For example, irritation of the diaphragm (e.g., from inflammation or pressure) can cause referred pain to the shoulder or upper abdomen because of the phrenic nerve (C3-C5).
Recommend further evaluation: To determine the exact cause of the pain, a healthcare provider would likely perform diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) to rule out cardiac issues, imaging studies (e.g., X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan) to assess nearby organs, and possibly blood tests to check for markers of inflammation or organ dysfunction.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Referred Pain
Referred pain occurs when pain is perceived in an area of the body that is not the source of the pain. This phenomenon can happen because of the way nerves from different organs converge in the spinal cord. For instance, pain from the diaphragm can be felt in the shoulder or chest, which may lead Mr. Williams to mistakenly associate his symptoms with a heart attack.
Recommended video:
1:36
The Cerebrum Example 3
Diaphragm Anatomy and Function
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a crucial role in respiration. It is innervated by the phrenic nerve and can be affected by various conditions, including irritation or injury, which can cause pain in the midline area. Understanding its anatomy helps in identifying potential sources of pain that may not be cardiac in nature.
Recommended video:
06:04Functional Groups
Cardiac vs. Non-Cardiac Chest Pain
Differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac chest pain is essential for accurate diagnosis. Cardiac pain is often associated with conditions like angina or myocardial infarction, while non-cardiac pain can arise from gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, or pulmonary issues. Recognizing the characteristics of the pain, such as its location, quality, and associated symptoms, can help determine the underlying cause.
Recommended video:
Guided course
9:44Events in the Cardiac Cycle
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Maria is a 3-year-old who has been diagnosed with CIPA, or congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. This disease results from a genetic mutation that causes essentially all general sensory neurons to not function properly. What types of sensations will Maria be unable to detect (be specific)? Predict what problems she might face from her condition.
751
views
Textbook Question
Define each of the following terms in your own words, using 20 or fewer words.
a. Peripheral nerve
618
views
Textbook Question
Jason presents for evaluation after a severe shoulder injury during which his entire brachial plexus suffered damage. What effects would you expect Jason to have from this injury?
741
views
Textbook Question
Define each of the following terms in your own words, using 20 or fewer words.
b. Nerve plexus
630
views
Textbook Question
Define each of the following terms in your own words, using 20 or fewer words.
c. Posterior root ganglion
625
views