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A 55-year old woman is diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and reports symptoms of general weakness, muscle atrophy, and muscle twitching. What type of nervous system dysfunction is she likely experiencing?
  • a)
    Upper motor neuron dysfunction
  • b)
    Lower motor neuron dysfunction
  • c)
    Axon degeneration
  • d)
    Demyelination
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
A 55-year old woman is diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (A...
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the motor neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). It results in the degeneration and loss of both upper motor neurons (UMNs) and lower motor neurons (LMNs).
The symptoms described, including weakness, muscle atrophy, and muscle twitching (fasciculations), are indicative of lower motor neuron dysfunction. LMNs are responsible for transmitting signals from the CNS to the muscles, controlling voluntary muscle movements. In ALS, the degeneration and loss of LMNs lead to muscle weakness, atrophy, and twitching.
Upper motor neuron dysfunction (Option A) would involve symptoms such as spasticity, exaggerated reflexes, and increased muscle tone, which are not mentioned in the given scenario.
Axon degeneration (Option C) and demyelination (Option D) are processes that can occur in ALS but are not the primary descriptions of the patient's symptoms. Axon degeneration and demyelination contribute to the overall neurodegenerative process in ALS but may not be the initial manifestations reported by the patient.
Therefore, based on the provided symptoms and diagnosis, the most likely type of nervous system dysfunction the woman is experiencing is lower motor neuron dysfunction (Option B).
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A 55-year old woman is diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and reports symptoms of general weakness, muscle atrophy, and muscle twitching. What type of nervous system dysfunction is she likely experiencing?a)Upper motor neuron dysfunctionb)Lower motor neuron dysfunctionc)Axon degenerationd)DemyelinationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for MCAT 2025 is part of MCAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the MCAT exam syllabus. Information about A 55-year old woman is diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and reports symptoms of general weakness, muscle atrophy, and muscle twitching. What type of nervous system dysfunction is she likely experiencing?a)Upper motor neuron dysfunctionb)Lower motor neuron dysfunctionc)Axon degenerationd)DemyelinationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for MCAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for A 55-year old woman is diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and reports symptoms of general weakness, muscle atrophy, and muscle twitching. What type of nervous system dysfunction is she likely experiencing?a)Upper motor neuron dysfunctionb)Lower motor neuron dysfunctionc)Axon degenerationd)DemyelinationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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