What is maximal sustained contractions called? A. Fatigue B. Muscle twitch C. Summation D. Tetanus

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the key concept being asked: the term for maximal sustained contractions.
2. Analyze the provided options to determine which one fits the description.

Relevant Concepts

• Fatigue: Generally refers to a decrease in the muscle's ability to sustain prolonged activity.
• Muscle twitch: A quick, involuntary contraction of a muscle.
• Summation: The additive effect of multiple muscle twitches when stimuli are combined.
• Tetanus: A state where muscle contractions become sustained and fused, preventing relaxation.

Analysis and Detail

• Fatigue does not represent maximal sustained contractions; instead, it results from prolonged activity leading to diminished performance.
• A muscle twitch is too brief and does not equate to sustained contractions.
• Summation can lead to stronger contractions, but does not specifically indicate sustained contractions.
• Tetanus is characterized by a sustained contraction where the muscle does not relax between stimuli, representing maximal sustained force.

Verify and Summarize

The correct term that describes maximal sustained contractions is "tetanus," as it encompasses the concept of continuous contraction without relaxation.

Final Answer

D. Tetanus