Final answer:
Tetanus is a disease that leads to spastic paralysis of muscles due to tetanus toxin preventing the release of GABA, a neurotransmitter for muscle relaxation, resulting in uncontrollable muscle spasms and rigidity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a disease characterized by spastic paralysis of muscles due to the action of tetanus toxin (TeNT). This toxin, produced by Clostridium tetani, binds to neural tissue and inhibits the release of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is responsible for muscle relaxation. Consequently, individuals with tetanus experience uncontrollable muscle spasms and rigidity. Specifically, it causes powerful, sudden muscle spasms, leading to symptoms such as lockjaw and opisthotonos, in which the body forms a rigid arch.In generalized tetanus, the TeNT spreads from the site of the wound through the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and into the central nervous system (CNS), where it causes widespread muscle spasms. In contrast, botulinum toxin causes flaccid paralysis by preventing the release of neurotransmitters needed for muscle contraction, leading to muscle weakness and loss of muscle tone.