Phenomena and Processes

Muscle Contraction

A process leading to shortening and/or development of tension in muscle tissue. Muscle contraction occurs by a sliding filament mechanism whereby actin filaments slide inward among the myosin filaments.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A process leading to shortening and/or development of tension in muscle tissue. Muscle contraction occurs by a sliding filament mechanism whereby actin filaments slide inward among the myosin filaments.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

9 entry terms
  • Muscular Contraction
  • Contraction, Muscle
  • Contraction, Muscular
  • Contractions, Muscle
  • Contractions, Muscular
  • Muscle Contractions
  • Muscular Contractions
  • Inotropism
  • Inotropisms

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

6 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, ethics, genetics, immunology, physiology, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

do not use for HEART or MYOCARDIUM ( = MYOCARDIAL CONTRACTION) or UTERUS ( = UTERINE CONTRACTION)

MeSH Record

History Note

65(64)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. G11.427.494w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

WE 504

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Muscle Contraction. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D009119. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D009119
  2. Muscle Contraction. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_contraction
  3. Muscle Contraction. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127006