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

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.