Anatomy and Physiology
Professor Debra Low
Discussion Board
Stephanie Quinn
March11, 2013
Which lower extremity muscles are utilized during standing and walking? They are your Quadriceps they are the biggest muscles by far they are at the front of the thighs. They raise the thigh and leg. Then there are the Hamstrings these form the back of the thighs and move the leg backward. The Buttocks powerful and bulky complete the backward movement of the step. Stomach muscles contract with each step forward. The Calf is smaller but is the most heavily used muscle when you take a step. There are also secondary that are used and they are: The Pelvis’s Stabilizing these form a muscular crown around the pelvis. Symmetrical Tibialis Anterior muscles are in the front of the calf muscle raises the foot so it doesn’t scrap the ground as you take a stride.
What changes are occurring to the muscular system as a person enters late adulthood? The amount of muscle tissue and muscle strength tend to decrease this process is called Sarcopenia which means loss of flesh. Loss of muscle mass starts at age 30 and continues through your life by age 75 you typically have half the muscle mass as you did when you were a young adult. Muscles decrease because the muscles are not used as much so they begin to shrink. Older people retain enough muscle mass and strength for necessary tasks.
How can muscles change affect the fall risk in older adults? Normal decline in your muscle
Strength and joint flexibility can change how easily you standup, walk or get out of a chair. Keep moving; follow Doctor’s recommendation, use medical equipment (if you need it), make your home safe and stay in touch (have someone check on you once daily) these are other thing you can do to lower your risk of falls.
What are ways to prevent muscle loss or maintain muscular strength as people age?
Regular exercise to strengthen the muscles can and delay loss of muscle mass and
References: Sharecare www.sharecare.com/question/what-muscles-involved -walking Merck Manual Home Health Handbook for Patients and Caregivers www.merckmanual.com/home/older_people_health_issues/ _aging_body/changes_in_the_body_with_aging.html www.interimhealthcare,com/Education-Center/Fall prevention/aging-and-fall-risk terim Healthcare