Physiology · Muscular System · Medium
Tonus
Meaning: The continuous partial contraction of a resting muscle that maintains readiness.
In practice: Loss of muscle tonus after nerve damage leads to a flaccid limb.
Quick check
Two questions on related physiology words.
Which word means: A recurring sequence of physiological events, such as the cardiac or menstrual cycle.
Answer: Cycle
Which word means: Thinning and shortening of the cervix during labour.
Answer: Effacement
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