Length-Tension Relationship Flashcards
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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.

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    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.

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