What type of disorders does muscular dystrophy refer to?

Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic disorders that lead to progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. The term "genetic" encompasses all heritable conditions, including those associated with specific gene mutations that affect muscle function. Since muscular dystrophy is caused by mutations in genes responsible for muscle structure and function, categorizing it as a genetic disorder accurately reflects the underlying mechanisms of its occurrence.

Muscular dystrophies can involve different inheritance patterns, including both autosomal recessive and X-linked forms, but the overarching classification of these disorders as genetic is crucial, as it indicates that they are caused by hereditary factors. Therefore, recognizing muscular dystrophy primarily as a genetic condition highlights its origin in specific genetic mutations rather than solely focusing on the patterns of inheritance, which can vary among the different types of muscular dystrophy.