Muscle Physiology Case Histories - Case 6

A 17-year-old male was working vigorously on a summer construction crew building a new section of a freeway. In the intense heat of the day, he began to experience severe pain in the muscles of his limbs and carpopedal spasms. The cramping made his muscles feel like hard knots. The foreman of the crew instructed the young man to drink some salt water he had available and rest a while.

1. What is the cause of the cramping?

2. Describe carpopedal spasms.

3. Why is the ingestion of salt and water beneficial?

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