Length–tension and force–velocity relationships in muscle

Question 1

Types of muscle contraction and comparison in term of what is constant and what is measured

Answer 1

• What is constant
  
  • Isometric
    
    • Muscle length (preload) is fixed – no shortening
  • Isotonic
    
    • Load against which the muscle contracts (afterload) is fixed
• What is measured
  
  • Isometric
    
    • Developed tension is measured
  • Isotonic
    
    • Shortening is measured

Question 2

Types of tension and definition

Answer 2

• Passive
  
  • developed by stretching the muscle to different lengths
• Total
  
  • developed when the muscle is stimulated to contract at different lengths
• Active
  
  • difference between total tension and passive tension