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Hansen's Disease

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Hansen’s Disease and its Effects on the Homeostasis of Organ Systems

Hansen’s disease, more commonly known as leprosy, is a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin and peripheral nerves, and to a lesser extent, the respiratory and muscular systems of the body (niaid/nih.giov/diseases-conditions/leprosy-hansens-disease). It is caused by an infection by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. It was discovered by Dr. Gerhard H.A. Hansen of Norway in 1873. Soon, the disease “leprosy” became known as Hansen’s disease in honor of his discovery. The disease is spread through “prolonged, close contact with someone with untreated leprosy over many months” (cdc.gov). It is important to note that one cannot become infected through casual contact …show more content…

The muscular system, in conjunction with the skeletal system, is responsible for movement of the body among other things (VanPutte, 270). The ability of the human body to move has been critical in the survival of the species over the years—for example; escaping from predators is only possible with skeletal muscle contraction. Hansen’s disease generally only affects the peripheral nerves of the extremities, not the locations of the larger muscle groups; however the smaller muscles of the hands and feet are vital for the well-being of individuals. For example, it would be quite difficult to feed oneself without the use of hands. Unfortunately, extreme cases of Hansen’s disease cause paralysis of the individual’s hands and feet. Paralysis occurs due to deadening of the peripheral nerves, both sensory and motor. As the afferent neurons lose the ability to receive and send stimuli, the nerve impulses (action potentials) are sent to the central nervous system less and less often. Even so, the action potentials that are transmitted to the CNS still are unlikely to stimulate the skeletal muscles for contraction. This is because the efferent peripheral neurons of the hands and feet are damaged as well. In effect, the sensory nerves of the extremities cannot receive much stimuli, and the motor neurons are also less able to start the action potentials in the skeletal muscle

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