Rhabdomyolysis is defined as:

• A. A minor muscle strain
• B. A condition caused by dehydration only
• C. Breakdown of muscle cells leading to kidney failure
• D. A consequence of using too much protein

Answer: (C)

Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, causing the contents inside muscle fibers to spill into the bloodstream. When this happens, substances like myoglobin are released in large amounts. The kidneys have to filter this material, and the workload plus the toxic effects can damage the renal tubules, sometimes leading to acute kidney injury or kidney failure if not treated promptly. This is different from a minor muscle strain, which is a small, localized injury with no widespread release of muscle cell contents, and it’s not defined by dehydration alone or simply by consuming more protein. Recognizing the release of muscle contents and the potential kidney impact helps explain why this condition can be serious and requires medical attention, typically with prompt hydration and monitoring.