| 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) |
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| 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) |
| myocardial contraction | Contractile activity of the heart. (12 Dec 1998) |
| myotatic contraction | A reflex contraction of a skeletal muscle that occurs as a result of stimulation of the stretch receptors in the muscle, i.e., as part of a myotatic reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| postural contraction | Maintenance of muscular tension (usually isometric) sufficient to maintain posture. (05 Mar 2000) |
| premature contraction | A premature contraction of the heart that is independent of the normal rhythm and arises in response to an impulse in some part of the heart other than the sinoatrial node. Synonym: premature beat. (18 Nov 1997) |
| premature contraction of the heart | When a single heartbeat occurs earlier than normal. This phenomenon can be within normal limits or represent a medically significant arrhythmia. (12 Dec 1998) |
| premature ventricular contraction | <cardiology> A cardiac arrhythmia which originates from within the ventricles. Isolated ventricular contractions are referred to as premature ventricular contractions. Frequent premature ventricular contractions can be potentially unstable and can degrade to a more serious rhythm or cardiac arrest. Acronym: PVC (31 Dec 1997) |