Colette is trying to understand what causes her occasional calf muscle cramps. Which of the following statements is true regarding cramps?
A. Cramps are thought to be caused by hyperexcitiability of the motor neuron.
B. Cramps are caused by excess calcium and ATP.
C. Cramps are voluntary, continuous contractions of sarcomeres.
D. Cramps are caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
Answer
D. Cramps are caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
Generally, leg cramps can be caused by many conditions, ranging simply from dehydration to something much more serious and in most cases, it is known that it might be the result of a sedentary lifestyle
Explanation
To dig deeper and find the relationship between the content in the skeletal muscles and how cramps take place, we can brief note that sustained muscle contraction requires de novo synthesis of ATP, which is principally aerobic or anaerobic depending on muscle fibre type. Again, understanding how the skeletal msucles act as the effector organs of the locomotor system can help us know and relate this to fact that the system is under voluntary control though much of their activity is subconsciously regulated. Cramps are most commonly associated with low blood levels of calcium and magnesium.
