cogwheel 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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cogwheel rigidity

n.

Rigidity in which the muscles respond with cogwheel-like jerks to the use of force in bending the limb, as occurs in Parkinson's disease.

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cogwheel rigidity

Etymology: ME, cugge, tooth on a gear; AS, hweol + L, rigiditas, unbending

an abnormal rigor in muscle tissue characterized by jerky movements when the muscle is passively stretched. The condition is often found in cases of Parkinson's disease.

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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.