| automatic contraction | In contrast to forced beat, an ectopic beat that arises de novo and is not precipitated by the preceding beat; thus escaped and parasystolic beat's are automatic. Synonym: automatic contraction. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| braxton hicks contraction | Rhythmic uterine muscle activity which occurs during the course of a pregnancy which causes no pain for the patient. (27 Sep 1997) |
| paradoxical contraction | A tonic contraction of the anterior tibial muscles when a sudden passive dorsal flexion of the foot is made. (05 Mar 2000) |
| carpopedal contraction | <clinical sign> Spasms of the hands or feet that may be seen in association with hypocalcaemia or hyperventilation. (08 Jan 1998) |
| reflex detrusor contraction | Normal coordinated function of the bladder with sustained contractions of the bladder matched by simultaneous relaxation of the sphincteric outlet mechanisms to empty the bladder. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal closure contraction | An obsolete term for the momentary contraction of a muscle under the influence of the negative pole when an electrical circuit is established. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal opening contraction | An obsolete term for the momentary contraction of a muscle under the influence of the negative pole when the circuit is broken. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Gowers' contraction | Contraction of the calf muscles when the anterior surface of the leg is struck. Synonym: Gowers' contraction. (05 Mar 2000) |
| closing contraction | Contraction produced at the time of closing of the circuit when using direct current to stimulate the muscle. (05 Mar 2000) |
| muscle contraction | A process leading to shortening and/or development of tension in muscle tissue. Muscle contraction occurs by a sliding filament mechanism whereby actin filaments slide inward among the myosin filaments. (12 Dec 1998) |
| contraction | <physiology> A shortening or reduction in size, in connection with muscles contraction implies shortening and/or development of tension. Origin: L. Contractus = drawn together (18 Nov 1997) |
| contraction band | A microscopic change in myocardial cells in which excessive contraction, associated with elevated intracellular calcium and serum norepinephrine, causes the formation of transverse amorphous band's in the fibres which are then incapable of contracting again. Synonym: contraction band necrosis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contraction band necrosis | A microscopic change in myocardial cells in which excessive contraction, associated with elevated intracellular calcium and serum norepinephrine, causes the formation of transverse amorphous band's in the fibres which are then incapable of contracting again. Synonym: contraction band necrosis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contraction stress test | A test used to evaluate foetal well-being by inducing contractions and analyzing the foetal heart rate response. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contraction, uterine | The tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles. During labour, contractions accomplish two things: (1) they cause the cervix to thin and dilate (open); and (2) they aid the baby to descend into the birth canal. (12 Dec 1998) |