Human: Bones

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a viral disease that targets the nervous system and damages motor neurons, which are responsible for muscle control. This damage leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and musculoskeletal deformities that can affect the lower limbs. In children affected by polio, the disease can disrupt normal bone growth. Muscle inactivity and decreased weight-bearing lead to shortened limbs and underdeveloped bones, where the diaphysis of the bone may be thinner, less dense and smaller in diameter. This example of a femur affected by polio will serve as an excellent example in discussions of the complications of this preventable disease.
15 ¼" Long (38.5cm)