Contraction

Types of Contraction: isometric vs isotonic contractions with example

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Contractions are where muscles contract to become shorter, or have a tighter tension. Two are the types of contractions I will discuss are isometric and isotonic contractions. Isotonic muscle contractions are a contraction where the length of the muscle changes and is shorter. Isometric contractions are where the muscles contract but just do not change in length. Isotonic contractions keep the tension the same while Isometric contractions are where the muscle contractions do not actually cause the muscle to shorten in length. There are also different variances of muscle contractions, another category they can be identified by is concentric and eccentric. Concentric is where the muscles will shorten by getting force and getting over resistance. It is like a bend in the elbow. When the elbow bends up it will shorten in length therefore being a isotonic concentric or isotonic eccentric contraction. Eccentric contractions are where the muscles actually extend and get longer. It could be where a person's elbow was bent holding a weight and the weight pressure excesses the resistance that the muscle provides and it causes the muscle to extend and stretch in length. Without the ability to have our bones would be too brittle and would just not move. The muscles contractions are what actually let people move their bodies, and they actually allow people to hold weight and have resistance.  If somebody ever loses complete function of their muscles it is normal from a severe injury, coma, or drug overdose. Strokes can cause temporary or permanent loss of muscle use, as well as spinal cord injuries or paralysis. Loss of functionality of muscles is caused by nerves not responding to move the muscles.