2006-10-07 15:12:37 · 6 answers · asked by osawillie 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious but preventable disease that affects the body's muscles and nerves. It typically arises from a skin wound that becomes contaminated by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani, which is often found in soil.
Once the bacteria are in the body, they produce a neurotoxin (a protein that acts as a poison to the body's nervous system) known as tetanospasmin that causes muscle spasms. The toxin first affects nerves controlling the muscles near the wound. It can also travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymph system. As it circulates more widely, the toxin interferes with the normal activity of nerves throughout the body, leading to generalized muscle spasms. Without treatment, tetanus can be fatal.
2006-10-07 15:16:05 · answer #1 · answered by shirley e 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tetanus is a medical term indicating a prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers. Skeletal muscle is a type of striated muscle. The other type of striated muscle, caridac or heart muscle cannot be tatanized due to intrinsic electrical properties. If the condition is caused by exposure to certain bacteria, a serious and often fatal disease may result. Tetanus is the primary symptom caused by the neurotoxin tetanospasmin which is produced by the Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani. Infection usually originates from a contaminated wound, often a cut or deep puncture wound. Common symptoms are muscle spasms in the jaw (hence the common name lockjaw), followed by difficulty swallowing and general muscle stiffness in other parts of the body.
Infection can be prevented by proper immunization, as well as by post-exposure prophylaxis.
2006-10-07 22:22:42 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a serious infection that can be contracted by breaking your skin on a rusty metal object. It causes the muscles to spasm and seize up. The average adult should have a booster shot every five to ten years.
2006-10-07 22:16:37 · answer #3 · answered by Blue Jean 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always understood it to be something you may get when you are cut with a rusty metal object. It can turn into "lockjaw" I believe. Therefore, anytime that you get cut or poked or whatever with a rusty metal object of any kind you should get a tetanus shot. It is very uncommon nowadays for one to acquire this disease but it does happen.
2006-10-07 22:21:37 · answer #4 · answered by Maggie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Tetanus is caused by a germ. Usually it gets into your body through a cut or puncture.
2006-10-07 22:16:15 · answer #5 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tetnus is really a toxoid, which protects against the toxin produced by tetanus bacteria.
2006-10-07 22:17:03 · answer #6 · answered by Azul 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋