Contractile: meaning, definitions and examples
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contractile
[kənˈtræktaɪl ]
Definition
muscle function
The term 'contractile' refers to the ability of a muscle or a muscle fiber to shorten and generate force. This property is essential for muscle movement and is a fundamental characteristic of all muscle tissues, including skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles. Contractile elements within muscle cells, such as actin and myosin filaments, interact to enable contraction. In a broader context, contractile can also describe any tissue or structure that can undergo contraction in response to stimuli, such as certain types of connective tissues. Understanding contractile properties is crucial in fields like physiology, medicine, and sports science.
Synonyms
compressive, constrictive, tensing.
Examples of usage
- The contractile function of heart muscles is essential for pumping blood.
- Smooth muscle has a specific contractile mechanism.
- Train the contractile strength of your leg muscles.
- Muscle fibers have distinct contractile properties.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'contractile' comes from the Latin 'contractus', which means 'to draw together'.
- It is formed from 'contract', meaning to draw in, and the suffix '-ile', which indicates capability.
- Similar forms are used in other sciences to describe contraction in various systems, like fluids.
Biology
- Muscles are made up of fibers that can contract, which is essential for movement in animals and humans.
- Some single-celled organisms, like amoebas, also have contractile properties that allow them to change shape for movement.
- In plants, certain cells can contract to help with movements like opening and closing flowers.
Medicine
- Medically, contractile properties are crucial in the heart, where muscle contractions pump blood throughout the body.
- Abnormalities in contractile function can lead to heart diseases, highlighting its importance in health.
- Doctors often use echocardiograms to measure the contractile function of the heart.
Physics
- In physics, 'contractile' behavior is not limited to biological systems; it can refer to any material that can change shape or size under pressure.
- Some materials, when heated, exhibit contractile properties where they shrink down, showcasing the principle of thermal expansion.
- This term also appears in discussions of muscle-like synthetic materials, which mimic biological contraction.
Technology
- Research in robotics studies contractile materials to create more efficient, lifelike movements in machines.
- Artificial muscles use contractile mechanisms to replicate human movements, paving the way for advanced prosthetics.
- Companies are exploring contractile polymers for applications in soft robotics, where flexibility and movement are crucial.
Translations
Translations of the word "contractile" in other languages:
🇵🇹 contrátil
🇮🇳 संवहनशील
🇩🇪 kontraktile
🇮🇩 kontraktile
🇺🇦 контрактильний
🇵🇱 kurczliwy
🇯🇵 収縮性の
🇫🇷 contractile
🇪🇸 contractil
🇹🇷 kontraktile
🇰🇷 수축성의
🇸🇦 انقباضي
🇨🇿 kontraktilní
🇸🇰 kontraktilný
🇨🇳 收缩性的
🇸🇮 kontraktilen
🇮🇸 samskonar
🇰🇿 контрактильді
🇬🇪 კონტრაქტული
🇦🇿 kontraktal
🇲🇽 contractil