Fibromyalgia Research Paper

The Pathophysiology of Fibromyalgia.

Avery Michener Department of Biology, Abilene Christian University BIOL 291.01: Anatomy & Physiology Dr. Kelly Washington April 7, 2024.

Pathophysiology of Fibromyalgia Sensations felt post-surgery, during muscle cramps, and after injuring an appendage are typical instances of pain. What is considered an abnormal experience of pain is when it is felt as a dull aching for at least three months. This would have a high probability of being deemed fibromyalgia. Affecting the musculoskeletal and neural systems, fibromyalgia is associated with a wide range of symptoms without a clear cause tied to them. Anatomy of the Skeletomuscular and Central Nervous System Skeletomuscular System The skeletomuscular system …show more content…
Composed of white matter, the connection between the midbrain and the cerebellum is the superior cerebellar peduncle. The inferior cerebellar peduncle forms a bridge between the cerebellum and medulla with its proprioceptors. The middle cerebellar peduncle, consisting of afferent fibers, connects the pons and the cerebellum. The passages of neurons, containing projecting reticular neurons, forming a network from the tip of the midbrain in the brainstem to the medulla oblongata is the reticular formation (Thau, L. et al ). Physiology of the Skeletomuscular and Nervous System Skeletomuscular System Movement of bone is facilitated through its attachments to tendons leading to muscles. Muscles act in an excitation-contraction coupling process, which leads to the ability to produce motion as well as posture. To begin the process of contraction, ACh is secreted by the motor end plate, causing part of the neuromuscular junction to depolarize. An action potential is released into the muscle fiber and is dispersed throughout the inside of the muscle fiber by the T-tubule. This leads to the opening of calcium channels on the sarcoplasmic reticulum, allowing Ca to increase its …show more content…
Controlled by parts of the brain, endogenous analgesia systems are in place to mediate sensations such as pain. Patients with fibromyalgia have been found to be lacking or deficient in these systems, likely leading to their absence of pain management. Other related irregularities witnessed in patients with fibromyalgia are related to unusual levels of neurotransmitters: high levels of glutamate and substance P, reduced levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the spinal cord, and unregulated levels of dopamine (Bhargava, J. & Hurley, J.A.) . Symptoms of Fibromyalgia The most common symptom reported in patients with fibromyalgia is musculoskeletal pain in the upper and lower sections of the body. Typically, pain will originate in one location, such as the shoulders, and then become widespread. Alongside pain, fatigue and cognitive impairments are commonly reported in cases of fibromyalgia. During certain times of the day, after being active, and following being slothful have been noted to cause flared feelings

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