Duchenne muscular dystrophy is characterized by the progressive degeneration of which tissues?

• A. Nerve tissues
• B. Muscle tissues
• C. Connective tissues
• D. Epithelial tissues

Answer: (B)

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) primarily affects muscle tissues due to a mutation in the dystrophin gene, which is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of muscle fibers. This condition leads to a lack of dystrophin, a protein that helps prevent muscle damage during contractions. As a result, the absence of this protein causes progressive degeneration and loss of muscle function, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and wasting.

In the context of the other options, nerve tissues are primarily involved in transmitting signals to and from the brain, which does not directly relate to the pathology of DMD. Similarly, while connective tissues play various roles, including supporting and binding other tissues, they do not undergo the degeneration seen in DMD. Epithelial tissues, which cover body surfaces and line cavities, are not affected by this condition either. Therefore, muscle tissues are specifically the ones that undergo degeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, making it the correct answer.