Which term means “surgical
incision into a muscle”?
A. myalgia
B. myotomy
C. myorrhaphy
D. myorrhexis
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Myotomy.
Explanation:
A myotomy refers to a surgical incision into a muscle. The term comes from the Greek words “myo-” meaning muscle and “-tomy” meaning incision or cutting. This procedure is typically performed to release tension in a muscle or to access deeper structures in the body for various medical reasons.
Myotomies are often used in surgeries to treat conditions such as muscle contractures, which are conditions where muscles become permanently shortened and lead to reduced movement or function. These can happen due to neurological disorders, muscle diseases, or trauma. A common example of a myotomy is the Heller myotomy, performed to treat achalasia, a condition where muscles of the esophagus fail to relax, making it hard for food to pass into the stomach.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Myalgia (A): This term refers to muscle pain. “Myo-” means muscle, and “-algia” means pain. It doesn’t involve any surgical procedure or incision. Myalgia can result from overuse, injury, infections, or chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.
- Myorrhaphy (C): This term refers to the suturing of a muscle. After a muscle is torn or incised (either by trauma or surgically), myorrhaphy involves stitching the muscle back together. The suffix “-rrhaphy” indicates a repair or suturing.
- Myorrhexis (D): This refers to the rupture of a muscle. The suffix “-rrhexis” means rupture or tearing, so myorrhexis describes a condition where a muscle has torn, often due to severe strain or trauma.
In summary, a myotomy is a specific surgical procedure where an incision is made in a muscle to relieve tension or improve function, making it the correct answer.