Tetanus is described as which of the following?

• A. A chronic muscular atrophy.
• B. A skin infection caused by bacteria.
• C. A fever with muscle pain.
• D. A sustained muscular contraction resulting from a rapid series of nerve impulses.

Answer: (D)

Tetanus is driven by a toxin that disrupts nervous system control of muscles, leading to a sustained, powerful contraction. The toxin blocks inhibitory signals in the spinal cord, so motor neurons keep firing and the muscles stay contracted. That explains the hallmark signs like rigid jaw and stiff body—continuous muscle contraction from a rapid series of nerve impulses. The other options don’t fit because tetanus isn’t about muscle wasting, a skin infection, or a simple fever with muscle pain. It’s this prolonged, involuntary contraction caused by the toxin’s effect on neural signaling.