rigidity (redirected from clasp-knife rigidity)

rigidity /ri·gid·i·ty/ (rĭ-jid´ĭ-te) inflexibility or stiffness.

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clasp-knife rigidity  increased tension in the extensors of a joint when it is passively flexed, giving way suddenly on exertion of further pressure.

cogwheel rigidity  tension in a muscle which gives way in little jerks when the muscle is passively stretched.

decerebrate rigidity  rigid extension of an animal's legs as a result of decerebration; occurring in humans as a result of lesions in the upper brainstem.

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ri·gid·i·ty (r-jd-t)

n.

1. The quality or state of stiffness or inflexibility. Also called rigor.

2. An aspect of the personality characterized by resistance to change.

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rigidity

[rijid′itē]

Etymology: L, rigere, to be stiff

a condition of hardness, stiffness, or inflexibility. rigid, adj.

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rigidity,

n the characteristic of being nonflexible, which is essential in a connector, a reciprocal arm, or an indirect retaining unit of a removable partial denture.

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rigidity

inflexibility or stiffness.

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clasp-knife rigidity

increased tension in the extensor of a joint when it is passively flexed, giving way suddenly on exertion of further pressure; seen especially in upper motor neuron disease.

cogwheel rigidity

tension in a muscle that gives way in little jerks when the muscle is passively stretched.

lead-pipe rigidity

posture adopted when the rigidity of the limb is maintained equally throughout the passive flexion.

rigidity reflex

the state of immobility generated in female animals, especially those in estrus, when they make physical contact with a male.

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rigidity

Forensic pathology Rigor. See Rigor mortis Neurology Excessive muscle tone. See Extrapyramidal syndrome, Lead pipe rigidity, Parkinsonism Psychiatry An unreasonable resistance to change Vox populi Stiffness.