Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is one of many neuromuscular diseases affect ing motor neurons and skeletal muscles. This disorder causes deterioration of the motor neurons (specifically the Anterior Horn Cells of the spinal cord). These motor neurons that control muscles are selectively destroyed resulting in varying degrees of atrophy, weakness and paralysis of the trunk and limb muscles. In this first half of the thesis report, various aspects of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, including history, anatomy/ physiology, diagnosis, theories of its function, types, characteristics, heredity, research, and treatment will be examined. A second portion of this report focuses upon both illustration and interactive computer media and animation as a visual introduction to SMA for the lay audience, patients, and their families
