twitch

twitch (twich) a brief, contractile response of a skeletal muscle elicited by a single maximal volley of impulses in the neurons supplying it.

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twitch (twch)

v.

1. To draw, pull, or move suddenly and sharply; jerk.

2. To move jerkily or spasmodically.

3. To ache sharply from time to time; twinge.

n.

A sudden involuntary or spasmodic muscular movement.

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twitch,

n 1. the contraction of small muscle units, manifested as a quick, simple, spasmodic contraction of a muscle.
2. a short, sudden pull or jerk.

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twitch

1. a brief, contractile response of a skeletal muscle elicited by a single maximal volley of impulses in the neurons supplying it.

2. a device used in the restraint of horses; there are a great many designs. The standard twitch consists of a loop of cord or chain at the end of a short, 2 ft (0.6 m), wooden handle. A fold of muzzle is enclosed in the loop which is then screwed tight. The handle may be held by an assistant or tied to the halter.

Twitch. By permission from Knottenbelt DC, Pascoe RR, Diseases and Disorders of the Horse, Saunders, 2003

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Galvayne's twitch

a loop of soft rope is passed over the poll and through the mouth, below the upper lip but in front of and above the incisor teeth.

halter twitch

the shank of the halter is passed over the poll and back to the near side through the mouth and then through the halter again.

human twitch

for restraining horses, it consists of a hinged metal device which is placed over the upper lip and clipped to the halter.

leg twitch

a tourniquet applied above the carpal joint.

loop twitch

a loop in a soft rope is passed over the poll and through the mouth above the tongue and pulled tight.

Martingale twitch

see humane twitch.

screw twitch

has the same effect as the standard twitch but the loop is of rigid metal and it is closed by screwing a bar up to clamp the fold of muzzle skin.