Tortora (2006) reports that the connective tissue in the human body provides both substance and support to several body structures. These include tendons, blood vessel walls, cartilage, ligaments, heart values, and other structures. If the connective tissue is abnormal in some way, an individual is usually diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome; in most cases the abnormality involves a lack of stiffness to the tissue (Midla, 2008). This paper presents a general overview of this disorder. Specifically, the paper defines the symptoms of the disorder, delineates its cause as well as the associated risk factors. The paper also describes the disorder's signs and symptoms. The body systems affected by Marfan's syndrome are listed and its treatment and prevention are discussed.
Frydman (2008) reports that the person with Marfan Syndrome has a typical appearance. He or she is tall and quite thin with long spidery fingers. The length of the arms is slightly greater than the height. Other symptoms often include arched palate, crowded teeth, nearsightedness, dislocation of the lens of the eye, funnel chest or pigeon breast, scoliosis, flat feet, learning disabilities, and a small lower jaw. The severity of the disease varies. Indeed, in some cases the syndrome is so mild that few, if any, symptoms exist (Frydman, 2008).
The Mayo Clinic (2008) reports that certain emotional and psychological problems also arise in relation to those that live with Marfan's syndrome, these mainly occurring as a response to the need to adjust one's outlook and lifestyle to having the disorder. There can be anger, fear, and guilt (usually experienced by parents) as well as a good deal of worry about passing the disease on to one's children. As children, people with this disorder can experience a restriction on their activities that can make for adjustment problems.
Body Systems Affected by Marfan Syndrome
According to Ammash, Sundt, and Connolly (200...