Contractile: meaning, definitions and examples
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contractile
[ kənˈtræktaɪl ]
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.
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
Etymology
The word 'contractile' originates from the Latin root 'contractus', which means 'to draw together' or 'to pull together'. This Latin term is derived from two components: 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'tractus', which means 'to pull' or 'to draw'. The prefix 'con-' indicates a collective action, while 'tractus' relates to the action of drawing or pulling. The application of the term began in the field of biology and physiology to describe the inherent ability of muscle tissues to shorten and generate force. Over time, 'contractile' has grown to encompass a wider range of biological tissues exhibiting similar contraction capabilities beyond just muscles. It reflects a fundamental aspect of biological function and is integral to understanding movement and muscle dynamics.