Laboratory #4: Contractility and Fatigue of Skeletal Muscle

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the laboratory on muscle contractility and fatigue.

Motor Unit

A motor unit is composed of a motor neuron and all the muscle fibers innervated by that neuron.

Electromyogram (EMG)

A recording of the electrical activity of muscle contractions, represented as spike-like signals.

Integration of EMG

A mathematical transformation of raw EMG data to quantify electrical activity in a muscle.

Hand Dynamometer

A device used to measure grip strength and muscle force.

Grip Strength

The maximum strength of the grip produced by the forearm muscles.

Fatigue

The decline in performance due to prolonged muscle contraction.

Electrical Activity

The amount of electrical signals produced by muscle contractions, indicative of muscle strength.

Relative Strength

The strength of muscle contraction measured against the muscle's size (circumference).

Prolonged Grip Strength

The ability of a muscle to maintain grip strength over an extended period.

Circumference Measurement

A measurement of the diameter of the forearm, used to assess relative muscle strength.

Refractory Period

The recovery time required before another action potential can occur in muscle fibers.