Which term describes a group of inherited disorders marked by progressive atrophy of the body's muscles?

Which term describes a group of inherited disorders marked by progressive atrophy of the body's muscles?

• A. Spina Bifida
• B. Early Intervention
• C. Muscular Dystrophy
• D. Seizure Disorder

Answer: (C)

Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive weakening and wasting of skeletal muscles. This happens because mutations disrupt the proteins that maintain muscle fiber integrity, so muscle fibers break down and are replaced with fat or connective tissue over time. As a result, strength declines, typically starting with the muscles closest to the body’s center (like the hips and shoulders) and gradually affecting other muscles, making movement more difficult. Because these conditions are inherited, a family history can be a clue to risk. The other options describe different kinds of conditions—spina bifida is a birth defect of the spinal column, early intervention is a service approach, and seizure disorders involve abnormal brain activity and aren’t defined by progressive muscle atrophy.

Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive weakening and wasting of skeletal muscles. This happens because mutations disrupt the proteins that maintain muscle fiber integrity, so muscle fibers break down and are replaced with fat or connective tissue over time. As a result, strength declines, typically starting with the muscles closest to the body’s center (like the hips and shoulders) and gradually affecting other muscles, making movement more difficult. Because these conditions are inherited, a family history can be a clue to risk. The other options describe different kinds of conditions—spina bifida is a birth defect of the spinal column, early intervention is a service approach, and seizure disorders involve abnormal brain activity and aren’t defined by progressive muscle atrophy.