Which term describes the breakdown of muscle releasing myoglobin?

• A. Rhabdomyolysis
• B. Crush Syndrome
• C. Avulsion
• D. Hemorrhage

Answer: (A)

Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream. When muscle fibers are damaged, their contents spill out, and myoglobin can travel to the kidneys, potentially causing kidney injury if produced in large amounts. This is a key concern after severe muscle trauma, crush injuries, or extreme exertion.

Crush syndrome describes the systemic effects that can follow prolonged muscle compression and often includes rhabdomyolysis, electrolyte disturbances, and kidney injury, but it’s about the syndrome rather than the muscle breakdown itself. Avulsion is the tearing away of tissue, not the general muscle breakdown. Hemorrhage is bleeding, not the process of muscle breakdown releasing myoglobin.