Question

multiple choice question

the partial contraction of a resting muscle is known as which of the following?

tetany
rigor mortis
muscle tone
wave summation

Explanation:

Analyze the question prompt

The question asks for the term that describes the "partial contraction of a resting muscle."

Evaluate the given options

• Tetany: A state of sustained, continuous muscle contraction without relaxation, typically caused by rapid, repeated stimuli or calcium deficiency.
• Rigor mortis: The postmortem stiffening of body muscles due to the depletion of ATP, which prevents myosin heads from detaching from actin filaments.
• Muscle tone (tonus): The constant, low-level, involuntary state of partial contraction in resting skeletal muscles. It helps maintain posture and joint stability.
• Wave summation: The phenomenon where successive stimuli arrive before a muscle fiber has completely relaxed, resulting in a stronger subsequent contraction.

Identify the correct term

Based on physiological definitions, the constant state of slight, partial contraction in a relaxed skeletal muscle is called muscle tone (or tonus).

Answer:

• Tetany
• Rigor mortis
• Muscle tone (Correct answer)
• Wave summation