Q. Out of the following factors, which one makes tetany different from tetanus?
Solution:
Tetanus is caused due to sustained contraction of muscles by high calcium levels in sarcoplasm. The concentration of Ca++ ions in the sarcoplasm allows all of the sarcomeres to form cross bridges and shorten. Thus, a contraction continues uninterrupted until the muscle fatigues and can no longer produce tension. The term "Tetanus" also gets associated with the toxic effects of the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Tetany is also known as "Tetanic seizure". It is a medical sign consisting of the involuntary contraction of muscles. It is caused by disorders that increase the action potential frequency of muscle cells or the nerves that innervate them.
