What describes the tone of muscles after a lower motor neuron injury?

What describes the tone of muscles after a lower motor neuron injury?

• A. Increased tone
• B. Normal tone
• C. Flaccid tone
• D. Spastic tone

Answer: (C)

After a lower motor neuron injury, the tone of the muscles is described as flaccid. This occurs because lower motor neurons are responsible for transmitting signals from the spinal cord to skeletal muscles, enabling them to contract. When these neurons are damaged, the transmission of signals is disrupted, leading to a loss of muscle tone. The muscles become hypotonic, or flaccid, which is characterized by decreased resistance to passive movement and an inability to maintain normal muscle tone, resulting in weakness and muscle atrophy over time. Understanding this condition is crucial for effective rehabilitation and management strategies in patients with lower motor neuron injuries, as it is a key indicator of the underlying neurological issue.

After a lower motor neuron injury, the tone of the muscles is described as flaccid. This occurs because lower motor neurons are responsible for transmitting signals from the spinal cord to skeletal muscles, enabling them to contract. When these neurons are damaged, the transmission of signals is disrupted, leading to a loss of muscle tone. The muscles become hypotonic, or flaccid, which is characterized by decreased resistance to passive movement and an inability to maintain normal muscle tone, resulting in weakness and muscle atrophy over time.

Understanding this condition is crucial for effective rehabilitation and management strategies in patients with lower motor neuron injuries, as it is a key indicator of the underlying neurological issue.