What term describes the tension exerted by a muscle?

Muscle tone refers to the continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles, which helps maintain posture and readiness for action. It is the subtle tension that is present in muscles at rest, allowing them to respond to stimuli efficiently. This tension is not due to a muscle actively contracting but rather a baseline level of contraction that is maintained through spinal reflexes and neural inputs.

In the context of physical therapy and assessments, understanding muscle tone is crucial for evaluating neuromuscular function, as variations in tone can be indicative of various conditions, including those involving neurological impairment or musculoskeletal issues. Identifying abnormalities in muscle tone can guide therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation strategies.