muscular contractions Flashcards
what is a muscular contraction?
when a stimulus from the brain is sent to the muscle and tension is produced
what are the two types of muscular contraction?
isometric and isotonic
does movement occur in isometric or isotonic muscle contractions?
isotonic
describe isometric muscular contractions
the muscle generates tension but the length of the muscle does not change during contraction so there is no movement
describe isotonic muscular contractions
during contraction, the muscle shortens in length, giving movement
what are the two types of isotonic muscular contractions?
concentric and eccentric
describe concentric contractions
the muscle shortens while producing movement, therefore causing joint movement
describe eccentric contractions
muscle lengthens while producing tension and therefore controls joint movement
when is eccentric contraction needed?
when you are working against gravity