lihastonuksen

Lihastonus, often referred to as muscle tone, is the continuous and passive partial contraction of muscles. It is a fundamental property of skeletal muscle that enables posture, maintains body temperature, and allows for rapid movements. Without lihastonus, muscles would be flaccid and unable to function effectively. This low-level, involuntary contraction is maintained by the nervous system, specifically through the activation of motor neurons.

The level of lihastonus can vary. Normal lihastonus allows for smooth and coordinated movements. Increased lihastonus, known as hypertonia, can lead to stiffness and resistance to passive stretching, often seen in conditions like spasticity or rigidity. Conversely, decreased lihastonus, or hypotonia, results in muscle weakness and a general lack of firmness, which can be associated with certain neurological disorders or genetic conditions.

Lihastonus plays a crucial role in everyday activities, from standing and walking to more complex motor skills. It provides a foundation of stability that allows voluntary muscle contractions to generate precise and powerful forces. Maintaining appropriate lihastonus is therefore essential for overall physical health and functional mobility.