SYN: tonicity (1). [L., fr. G. tonos]
- myogenic t. contraction of a muscle caused by intrinsic properties of the muscle or by its intrinsic innervation.
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to·nus 'tō-nəs n
1) TONE (2a)
2) a state of partial contraction that is characteristic of normal muscle, is maintained at least in part by a continuous bombardment of motor impulses originating reflexly, and serves to maintain body posture called also muscle tone compare CLONUS
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(tone)
n.
the normal state of partial contraction of a resting muscle, maintained by reflex activity.
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to·nus (toґnəs) [L., from Gr. tonos] the slight, continuous contraction of muscle, which in skeletal muscles aid in the maintenance of posture and in the return of blood to the heart. Called also tone. See also hypertonia and hypotonia.Medical dictionary. 2011.