Lihastonus

Lihastonus, also known as muscle tone, refers to the continuous and passive partial contraction of muscles, even when they are at rest. It is a crucial physiological state that allows muscles to maintain posture, stabilize joints, and respond quickly to stimuli. Without adequate muscle tone, movements would be jerky and uncoordinated, and the body would struggle to maintain its upright position.

Muscle tone is primarily controlled by the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. Signals from the brain continuously inform the muscles about their current length and tension. This information is processed, and efferent signals are sent back to the muscles, causing them to contract to a certain degree. This constant feedback loop ensures that muscles are always ready for action.

Variations in muscle tone can indicate underlying neurological or muscular conditions. Hypotonus, or low muscle tone, can result in muscles feeling weak and floppy, often seen in conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Hypertonus, or high muscle tone, leads to stiffness and resistance to movement, which can be a symptom of conditions such as stroke or Parkinson's disease. Maintaining healthy muscle tone is important for overall physical function and well-being.