Which term best describes permanent shortening of a muscle or joint?

Which term best describes permanent shortening of a muscle or joint?

• A. Spasticity
• B. Atrophy
• C. Hypertrophy
• D. Contracture

Answer: (D)

Permanent shortening of a muscle or joint is called a contracture. This occurs when the muscle fibers and surrounding connective tissues gradually lose their elasticity and tighten, creating a fixed limitation in movement that remains even when the underlying cause is removed. Spasticity, by contrast, is an abnormal increase in muscle tone that can make movement harder and may contribute to contractures over time, but it is not itself a fixed shortening. Atrophy is a decrease in muscle size from disuse or disease, not a lasting shortening. Hypertrophy is the enlargement of muscle tissue from training, not a shortening. So contracture best describes a permanent shortening of the muscle or joint.

Permanent shortening of a muscle or joint is called a contracture. This occurs when the muscle fibers and surrounding connective tissues gradually lose their elasticity and tighten, creating a fixed limitation in movement that remains even when the underlying cause is removed. Spasticity, by contrast, is an abnormal increase in muscle tone that can make movement harder and may contribute to contractures over time, but it is not itself a fixed shortening. Atrophy is a decrease in muscle size from disuse or disease, not a lasting shortening. Hypertrophy is the enlargement of muscle tissue from training, not a shortening. So contracture best describes a permanent shortening of the muscle or joint.