tonus /to·nus/ (to´nus) tone or tonicity; the slight, continuous contraction of a muscle, which in skeletal muscles aids in the maintenance of posture and in the return of blood to the heart.
tonus
tonus (tōˑ·n
s),
to·nus (t  n s)n. Body or muscular tone; tonicity. |
tonus
[tō′nəs]
Etymology: Gk, tonos, stretching
1 also called muscle tone. The normal state of balanced tension in the body tissues, especially the muscles. Partial contraction or alternate contraction and relaxation of neighboring fibers of a group of muscles hold the organ or the part of the body in a neutral functional position without fatigue. Tonus is essential for many normal body functions, such as holding the spine erect, the eyes open, and the jaw closed.
2 also called tone. the state of the body tissues being strong and fit.
tonus (tōˑ·n
s),n the continuous partial contraction of muscles to maintain posture and to help stabilize joints.
tonus
tone or tonicity; the slight, continuous contraction of a muscle, which in skeletal muscles aids in the maintenance of posture and in the return of blood to the heart.
tonus
A state of partial contraction present in a muscle in its passive state as, for example, when the eye is in the physiological position of rest. Syn. muscle tone. See resting state of accommodation; physiological position of rest; tonic vergence.
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