Question

shortening a muscle while it maintains constant tension is called________.
complete tetanus
incomplete tetanus
an isokinetic contraction
an isometric contraction
an isotonic contraction

Explanation:

• Complete tetanus: Occurs when muscle stimulation frequency is high enough to eliminate relaxation between contractions, but it doesn't specifically refer to shortening with constant tension.
• Incomplete tetanus: Muscle has partial relaxation between contractions, not related to the described scenario.
• Isokinetic contraction: Muscle shortens at a constant speed, not about constant tension.
• Isometric contraction: Muscle tension increases but length remains the same.
• Isotonic contraction: Muscle shortens while maintaining constant tension, which matches the description.

Answer:

E. an isotonic contraction