MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -While under tension, the muscle may lengthen, shorten, or remain the same. Although the term contraction implies shortening, when referring to the muscular system, it means the generation of tension within a muscle fiber.

Detailed explanation-2: -Introduction. An eccentric (lengthening) muscle contraction occurs when a force applied to the muscle exceeds the momentary force produced by the muscle itself, resulting in the forced lengthening of the muscle-tendon system while contracting (Lindstedt et al., 2001).

Detailed explanation-3: -Eccentric muscle contractions are referred to as muscle actions instead of a contraction since the muscle is shortening as opposed to lengthening.

Detailed explanation-4: -The dictionary definition of the verb “contract, ‘’ specifically for the case of muscle, is “to undergo an increase in tension, or force, and become shorter.” Under all circumstances, an activated muscle generates force, but an activated muscle generating force does not invariably shorten!

Detailed explanation-5: -The physiological concept of muscle contraction is based on two variables: length and tension. In physiology, muscle shortening and muscle contraction are not synonymous, as tension within the muscle can be produced without changes in the length of the muscle.