Length-Tension Relationship Flashcards
15 Questions
100 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the length-tension relationship?

  • The amount of tension generated by a muscle depends on how stretched or contracted it was before stimulation. (correct)
  • The maximum strength a muscle can produce without any stimulation.
  • The speed of muscle contraction in response to a stimulus.
  • The relationship between muscle length and the number of motor units activated.

    • What is weak contraction?

    Overly contracted at rest or too stretched before stimulation.

    What is muscle tone?

    Central nervous system maintains the length of the resting muscle in a state of partial contraction.

    What is the threshold?

    <p>Minimum voltage necessary to generate an action potential and produce a contraction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define twitch.

    <p>Quick cycle of contraction and relaxation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during the latent period?

    <p>2 ms delay between the onset of stimulus and the onset of twitch response.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during the contraction phase?

    <p>Filaments slide and the muscle may shorten.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the relaxation phase.

    <p>SR quickly reabsorbs Ca2+, myosin releases the thin filaments, and tension declines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by increase stimulus intensity?

    <p>Increase voltage to increase contraction strength.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean to increase stimulus frequency?

    <p>Keep voltage the same but increase the number of times the stimulus is given.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define motor unit.

    <p>One motor neuron and all the muscle fibers innervated by it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average motor unit size?

    <p>About 200 muscle fibers for each motor unit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe a small motor unit.

    <p>Fine degree of control, 3-6 muscle fibers per neuron.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes a large motor unit?

    <p>More strength than control; powerful contractions supplied by large motor units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is summation?

    <p>The process activating more motor units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Length-Tension Relationship

    • Muscle tension and contraction force depend on initial muscle length—overly stretched or contracted affects strength.

    Weak Contraction

    • Muscle can be too contracted at rest, leading to reduced force generation.
    • Muscle may also be too stretched before activation, resulting in weak contractions.

    Muscle Tone

    • Maintained by the central nervous system, keeping muscles in partial contraction at rest for readiness.

    Threshold

    • The minimum voltage required to trigger an action potential and initiate muscle contraction.

    Twitch

    • Characterized by a quick cycle involving contraction followed by relaxation.

    Latent Period

    • A brief delay of approximately 2 milliseconds between stimulus onset and twitch response.

    Contraction Phase

    • During this phase, myofilaments slide, allowing the muscle to shorten and generate force.

    Relaxation Phase

    • The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) reabsorbs calcium, leading to the release of thin filaments and a reduction in tension.

    Increase Stimulus Intensity

    • Increasing the voltage can enhance the strength of muscle contractions.

    Increase Stimulus Frequency

    • Keeping voltage constant while increasing the number of stimuli leads to a stronger muscle response.

    Motor Unit

    • Defined as a single motor neuron and all muscle fibers it innervates, working together for coordinated movement.

    Average Motor Unit

    • Typically consists of around 200 muscle fibers, striking a balance between strength and control.

    Small Motor Unit

    • Comprises 3-6 muscle fibers per neuron, allowing for fine control, seen in muscles like those involved in eye and hand movements.

    Large Motor Unit

    • Contains many muscle fibers, prioritizing strength over precision, exemplified by muscles such as the gastrocnemius.

    Summation

    • Refers to the recruitment of additional motor units to increase overall muscle force during contraction.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    This quiz provides detailed flashcards about the length-tension relationship in muscles. Learn key terms and concepts related to muscle contraction and their definitions. Perfect for students studying physiology or muscle dynamics.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser