Components of the Musculoskeletal System in Cats
By Stephen B. Adams , DVM, DACVS, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University
Reviewed/Revised Aug 2018 |
Modified Oct 2022
Bones provide rigid structure to the body and shield internal organs from damage. They also house bone marrow, where blood cells are formed, and they maintain the body’s reservoir of calcium. Old bone tissue is constantly replaced with new bone tissue in a process called remodeling. This helps keep the bones healthy.
Bones come together to form joints. The type of joint formed determines the degree and direction of motion. For example, joints with a ball-and-socket formation allow for rotation, while hinge joints only allow bending and straightening. Some joints, such as those between bones of the skull, do not move at all. In a joint, the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage, which is a smooth protective tissue that helps reduce friction as joints move.
There are several different types of muscles in the body. Two of these kinds, skeletal muscle and smooth muscle, are part of the musculoskeletal system. Skeletal muscles are responsible for posture and movement. They are attached to bones and arranged around the joints. Smooth muscle helps facilitate many processes in the body, such as the flow of blood (by surrounding arteries) and the movement of food along the digestive tract.
Tendons are tough bands of connective tissue made up mostly of a protein called collagen. They do not stretch. Tendons attach each end of a muscle to a bone. They are located within sheaths that allow them to move easily. Ligaments are also tough cords formed of connective tissue, but unlike tendons they can stretch to some extent. Ligaments surround joints and help to support and stabilize them. They can also connect one bone to another.
Overview of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Diseases in Cats
By Stephen B. Adams , DVM, DACVS, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University
Reviewed/Revised Aug 2018 | Modified Oct 2022
Many systems in the body rely on the muscles. A cat’s ability to see, breathe, urinate, breed, and even chew and swallow may be affected by a muscular condition. Many disorders can show themselves in the muscles but be traced back to the nervous system. Disorders that primarily affect the muscle membrane or muscle fibers are called myopathies. Muscle membrane disorders may be hereditary or acquired. Diagnosing a myopathy usually requires laboratory tests.
Tendons do not stretch, so they are prone to injury and may become torn if a large amount of force is applied to them. Such injuries lead to tendinitis, which is inflammation of the tendons. Because tendons and ligaments are relatively poorly supplied with blood, they heal slowly and sometimes imperfectly. Injuries to ligaments and tendons require patience and careful, longterm rehabilitation. Healed tendons are not as strong and are prone to future injuries.
Bone diseases are generally present at birth or the result of nutritional deficiencies or injuries. Having extra toes (polydactyly) is an example of a hereditary disorder. An imbalanced level of minerals in the diet, particularly of trace minerals such as copper, zinc, and magnesium, is a common dietary cause of bone defects. Growing animals that are fed too much protein or have an improper balance of calcium and phosphorus can also develop nutritional disorders affecting bones. Getting either too much or too little of certain vitamins, particularly vitamins A and D, can influence bone growth and development. Most bone disorders stem from some sort of trauma, such as fractures or cracks. Infections that cause bone tissue to break down and die can lead to bone disorders. In other situations, diseases of the ligaments or tendons may cause secondary bone troubles. > پاژ: Movable joints are vulnerable to joint diseases or disorders affecting their membranes as well as related ligaments, cartilage, and bone. Joint disorders may be caused by trauma to the joint, longterm inflammation, developmental problems, or infections. Traumatic injuries may produce short-term consequences, such as dislocation, fracture, or the distortion (instability) of a joint. More longterm effects may include arthritis or the rupture of nearby ligaments or membranes.
Chronic (longterm) inflammation is most commonly seen in joints associated with movement. The effects of longterm inflammation can be complicated. Any joint injury changes the composition and amount of fluid inside the joint, which affects the amount of pressure on the connecting bones.
Recent years have seen great advances in techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders. When detected early, the disorders often can be corrected, and a full return to healthy life is possible. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations closely.
Dr. Ahmad Asadi