muscle contraction

/ˌmʌsəl kənˌtrækʃən/

Other forms: muscle contractions

Definitions of muscle contraction

1. noun

   (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
   synonyms: contraction, muscular contraction

   types:

   contracture

   an abnormal and usually permanent contraction of a muscle

   tetanus

   a sustained muscular contraction resulting from a rapid series of nerve impulses

   uterine contraction

   a rhythmic tightening in labor of the upper uterine musculature that contracts the size of the uterus and pushes the fetus toward the birth canal

   Braxton-Hicks contraction, false labor

   painless contractions of the muscles of the uterus that continue throughout pregnancy with increasing frequency

   vaginismus

   muscular contraction that causes the vagina to close; usually an anxiety reaction before coitus or pelvic examination

   type of:

   shortening

   act of decreasing in length