tetanus

(noun)

When the frequency of muscle contraction is such that the maximal force is tension is generated without any relaxation of the muscle.

Related Terms

  • tetanu
  • summation
  • twitch
  • skeletal muscle
  • fascicle

Examples of tetanus in the following topics:

  • Interactions of Skeletal Muscles

    • If the frequency of action potentials generated increases to such a point that muscle tension has reached its peak and plateaued and no relaxation is observed then the muscle contraction is described as a tetanus.
    • If the frequency of these contractions increases to the point where maximum tension is generated and no relaxation is observed then the contraction is termed a tetanus.
  • Pain Sensation

    • If there is massive or prolonged input to a C fiber, there is a progressive build up in the spinal cord dorsal horn; this phenomenon is similar to tetanus in muscles but is called wind-up.
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