
What does contractility mean?
The extent to which something contracts or shrinks. A term used in physiology to describe the performance of cardiac muscle. The manifestations of contractility by muscle are various in mode.
What does increased contractility mean?
What does increased contractility mean? Myocardial contractility represents the innate ability of the heart muscle (cardiac muscle or myocardium) to contract. The factors causing an increase in contractility work by causing an increase in intracellular calcium ions (Ca++) during contraction. How is contractility measured?
What does contractility of the heart mean?
Contractility is the inherent strength and vigour of the heart's contraction during systole. According to Starling's Law, the heart will eject a greater stroke volume at greater filling pressures. For any filling pressure (LAP), the stroke volume will be greater if the contractility of the heart is greater.
What affects heart contractility?
Properties of the cardiovascular system which affect contractility are:
- Preload
- Afterload
- Heart rate

What is the best Definition of contractility?
noun. the property, as of muscle or other tissue, of being able to contract, or draw itself together, reducing its dimensions: Improvements in the contractility of the heart can be measured by a number of different methods to determine how much blood the heart pumps with each beat.
What does contractility mean medically?
Contractility is the inherent strength and vigour of the heart's contraction during systole. According to Starling's Law, the heart will eject a greater stroke volume at greater filling pressures. For any filling pressure (LAP), the stroke volume will be greater if the contractility of the heart is greater.
What is contractility of a muscle?
Contractility relates to the ability of the myocardium to perform mechanical work (i.e., to generate force and shorten), independently of changes in preload or afterload with heart rate fixed.
What does contractility mean in the heart?
Contractility describes the relative ability of the heart to eject a stroke volume (SV) at a given prevailing afterload (arterial pressure) and preload (end-diastolic volume; EDV).
What is another term for contractility?
In this page you can discover 11 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for contractility, like: motility, fibrinolysis, excitability, endothelium-dependent, vasodilation, vasoconstriction, afterload, vasodilatation, haemodynamics, hypertrophy and oxygenation.
Is contractility the same as heart rate?
Heart rate is simply the frequency of contractions of the heart, whereas heart contractility defines the "forcefulness" of each contraction of the heart. Or in other words, the ability of the heart to pump blood against a resistance (such as clogged arteries or high blood pressure).
What affects heart contractility?
An increase in sympathetic stimulation to the heart increases contractility and heart rate. An increase in contractility tends to increase stroke volume and thus a secondary increase in preload.
What causes a muscle contraction?
1. A Muscle Contraction Is Triggered When an Action Potential Travels Along the Nerves to the Muscles. Muscle contraction begins when the nervous system generates a signal. The signal, an impulse called an action potential, travels through a type of nerve cell called a motor neuron.
What factors affect contractility?
Biochemical and cellular factors which affect contractility are:Calcium concentration. Catecholamines and the autonomic nervous system. ATP availability (eg. ischaemia) Extracellular calcium.Temperature.
What controls contractility of the heart?
The heart is innervated by both parasympathetic and sympathetic neurons of the autonomic nervous system. Sympathetic neurons has a positive inotropic effect, where positive means increase, and inotropic refers to contractility.
Does contractility increase blood pressure?
Conclusions. In the present study, we demonstrated by means of a mathematical model of the cardiovascular system that a physiological increase in cardiac contractility leads to a steeper forward pressure wave pumped by the LV, which, subsequently, drastically alters central and peripheral pressure and flow waves.
Does heart rate affect contractility?
Heart rate – as heart rate increases (e.g., during exercise), contractility increases (this occurs up to a certain point beyond which the tachycardia impairs normal cardiac function). This phenomenon is known as the Treppe or Bowditch effect.
What affects cardiac contractility?
An increase in sympathetic stimulation to the heart increases contractility and heart rate. An increase in contractility tends to increase stroke volume and thus a secondary increase in preload.
What is contractility quizlet?
Contractility. intrinsic ability of cardiac muscle to develop force at any given length. You just studied 29 terms! 1/29.
What is a contracture in medical terms?
(kun-TRAK-cher) A permanent tightening of the muscles, tendons, skin, and nearby tissues that causes the joints to shorten and become very stiff. This prevents normal movement of a joint or other body part. Contractures may be caused by injury, scarring, and nerve damage, or by not using the muscles.
What does excitability mean in anatomy?
Excitability is the ability to respond to a stimulus, which may be delivered from a motor neuron or a hormone. Extensibility is the ability of a muscle to be stretched.
Definition of contract
1 a : a binding agreement between two or more persons or parties especially : one legally enforceable If he breaks the contract, he'll be sued.
Choose the Right Synonym for contract
contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume. contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length. caused her muscles to contract shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.
Examples of contract in a Sentence
Noun The contract requires him to finish work by the end of the year. I tore up the contract.
History and Etymology for contract
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin contractus, from contrahere to draw together, make a contract, reduce in size, from com- + trahere to draw
Kids Definition of contract
1 : to agree by contract The property's owner contracted to build a house.
Legal Definition of contract
Note: Contracts must be made by parties with the necessary capacity (as age or mental soundness) and must have a lawful, not criminal, object. Except in Louisiana, a valid contract also requires consideration, mutuality of obligations, and a meeting of the minds.
What is the measure of contractility?
Measures of contractility in vitro include peak isometric tension and maximal shortening velocity at a fixed initial length. Measurement of contractility in vivo is less precise. The dP/dt during the isovolumic phase of the cardiac cycle (isometric contraction) and initial velocity of blood flow in the aorta are used as indirect indices. Davie et al. (1987) noted that dP/dt values for ventricular contractions in teleosts ranged from 370 mm Hg/sec to 480 mm Hg/sec, about five times slower than those of mammalian hearts. On the other hand, tunas have higher heart rates and ventral aortic pressures, and dP/dt values are much higher compared with other teleosts, falling into the mammalian range ( Jones et al., 1992). In contrast, ventricular dP/dt for Myxine glutinosa and Eptatretus cirrhatus (approximately 22 mm Hg/sec) is more than 10 times slower than that for teleosts ( Davie et al., 1987). Ventricular dP/dt in the leopard shark ( Triakis semifasciata) is also slow (25 mm Hg/sec), increasing to only 36 mm Hg/sec during swimming ( Lai et al., 1990a). The slow dP/dt in hagfish and elasmobranchs probably reflects low contractility and perhaps slow rates of electrical conduction between myocytes. Slow conduction rates would be expected in hagfish because of the lack of deeply penetrating T tubules in the SL and poor electrical couplings between myocytes ( Davie et al., 1987).
How does contractility work?
At the cellular level, muscle contraction is regulated through a process referred to as excitation–contraction coupling (EC coupling). This process starts with an action potential (AP) in the cell membrane (excitation) followed by a series of steps that link the AP-mediated excitation to commencement of contractile work (Figure 12.1 ). Central to the EC coupling process is an increase in cytoplasmic free [Ca 2+] ( [Ca 2+] i ). Cellular Ca 2+ handling is a highly controlled process that involves ion exchange systems, ion pumps, and specialized compartments for Ca 2+ storage within the cell. In this chapter, the general principles of cardiac EC coupling, and how this involves Ca 2+ fluxes, will be outlined.
What happens when contractility is decreased?
Decreased contractility results in an increased end-systolic volume and reduced CO, leading to hypotension and activation of the β-adrenergic nervous system and RAAS.
What is the net systolic contractility of the left ventricle?
Net systolic contractility of the left ventricle is of great prognostic value and powerfully defines cardiac event rates in hypertensive patients. The evolution of hypertensive heart disease from the state of hypertrophic changes (with generally well-preserved systolic contractility) is a complex process (see other chapters), with progressive change through to a phase of ventricular dilatation and systolic impairment. These patients tend to have unrecognized, untreated, or persistently uncontrolled hypertension, and the progression to systolic impairment of the heart is not often recognized short of acute presentation of pulmonary edema. The widely cited but poorly analyzed association of arterial hypertension to systolic left ventricular impairment suggests the presence of such a progressive change regardless of the definition or recognition of intervening coronary occlusion and ventricular infarction.
What are the factors that affect cardiac contractility?
Neural (vagal and adrenergic nerve fibers), humoral, and local factors can increase (positive inotropy) and decrease (negative inotropy) cardiac contractility. Among the specific factors known to increase contractility of the atrium and/or ventricle in fishes are the following: increased temperature ( Ask et al., 1981; Bailey and Driedzic, 1990 ), β-adrenergic stimulation (see Ask et al., 1981; Laurent et al., 1983; Nilsson, 1983; Farrell, 1984; Vornanen, 1989 ), the peptides arginine vasotocin and oxytocin ( Chui and Lee, 1990 ), adenosine (Lennard and Huddart, 1989), prostacyclin ( Acierno et al., 1990), and histamine ( Temma et al., 1989). Negative inotropic effects on atrial or ventricular tissue occur with the following: hypoxia and acidosis ( Gesser and Poupa, 1983; Farrell, 1984 ), acetylcholine ( Randall, 1970; Holmgren, 1977; Cameron and Brown, 1981 ), α-adrenergic stimulation in some species ( Tirri and Lehto, 1984 ), purinergic agents ( Meghi and Burnstock, 1984), and adrenaline in combination with adenosine (Lennard and Huddart, 1989). Isolated atrial and ventricular tissues can have different sensitivities to pharmacological agents. For example, acetylcholine has negative inotropic effects on the Atlantic cod atrium but not on the ventricle, whereas the ventricle is more sensitive to adrenergic stimulation ( Holmgren, 1977 ). This implies that vagal innervation is confined to the atrial region. Interestingly, the affinity for β-adrenergic atrial stimulation is greater in Platichthys flesus and Squalus acanthias (fish without adrenergic innervation) than in rainbow trout ( Ask, 1983 ).
What is net systolic contractility?
Net systolic contractility of the left ventricle is of great prognostic value and powerfully defines cardiac event rates in hypertensive patients. The evolution of hypertensive heart disease from the state of hypertrophic changes (with generally well-preserved systolic contractility) is a complex process (see other chapters), with progressive change through to a phase of ventricular dilatation and systolic impairment. These patients tend to have unrecognized, untreated, or persistently uncontrolled hypertension, and the progression to systolic impairment of the heart is not often recognized short of acute presentation of pulmonary edema. The widely cited but poorly analyzed association of arterial hypertension to systolic left ventricular impairment suggests the presence of such a progressive change regardless of the definition or recognition of intervening coronary occlusion and ventricular infarction.
What is the bladder contractile system?
Bladder contractility is predominantly mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system. Specifically, main trunks of the pelvic nerve travel through the visceral pelvic fascia (otherwise known as the posterior endopelvic fascia) to the bladder and proximal urethra to provide the detrusor muscle with parasympathetic innervation (Hollabaugh et al., 2000 ). These fibers are preganglionic autonomic fibers that travel alongside the superior vesical vasculature and ultimately synapse with postganglionic fibers within the wall of the bladder ( Hollabaugh et al., 2000 ). The course of these preganglionic pelvic nerve fibers traversing laterally from the pelvic floor over the rectal fascial investments en route to the bladder presents many potential sites for neural injury during pelvic surgery. Moreover, denervation or disruption of these neurons at any point in their course may result in autonomic dysfunction, which is most commonly manifested as denervation and areflexia of the detrusor muscle, with a clinical picture of postoperative urinary retention ( Hollabaugh et al., 2000 ).
What is the role of myocardial contractility?
Myocardial contractility represents the intrinsic ability of the heart/myocardium to contract. Changes in the ability to produce force during contraction result from incremental degrees of binding between myosin and actin filaments. The degree of binding that occurs depends on concentration of calcium ions in the cell. Within an in vivo intact heart, it is generally the action/response of the sympathetic nervous system driven by precisely time released catecholamine that determines the concentration of calcium ions in the cytosol of cardiac muscle cells. All factors that cause an increase in contractility work by causing an increase in intracellular [Ca++] during contraction.
What is the numerical value of contractility in Pythagorean numerology?
The numerical value of contractility in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7
What is another mode of manifestation of contractility by muscles?
Another mode of manifestation of contractility by muscles is the rhythmic. A tendency to rhythmic contraction seems discoverable in almost all muscles.
Does stretch injury increase contractility?
Recent data has revealed that stretch injury may enhance contractility but also increase the sensitivity of the vessel to agents which release nitric oxide.
What is contractility in the heart?
Contractility describes the relative ability of the heart to eject a stroke volume (SV) at a given prevailing afterload (arterial pressure) and preload (end-diastolic volume; EDV). Various measures of contractility are related to the fraction as the SV/EDV or the ejection fraction, and the dynamics of ejection as determined from maximum pressure rise in the ventricles or arteries or from aortic flow velocities determined by echocardiography. At the cellular level, the ultimate determinant of contractility is the relative tension generation and shortening capability of the molecular motors (myosin cross-bridges) of the sarcomeres as determined by the rates and extent of Ca activation, the turnover kinetics of the cross-bridges, and the relative Ca responsiveness of the sarcomeres. Engagement of the regulatory signaling cascades controlling contractility occurs with occupancy and signal transduction by receptors for neurohumors of the autonomic nervous system as well as growth and stress signaling pathways. Contractility is also determined by the prevailing conditions of pH, temperature, and redox state. Short-term control of contractility is fully expressed during exercise. In long-term responses to stresses on the heart, contractility is modified by cellular remodeling and altered signaling that may compensate for a time but which ultimately may fail, leading to disorders.
Where is control of contractility located?
Control of Contractility Is at the Cellular Level of Organization
What is the control of cardiac contractility?
CONTROL OF CARDIAC CONTRACTILITY IS CRITICAL TO THE MATCHING OF CARDIAC OUTPUT TO VENOUS RETURN DURING EXERCISE WITH LITTLE CHANGE IN END DIASTOLIC VOLUME AND WITH TUNING OF THE DYNAMICS OF CONTRACTION AND RELAXATION TO HEART RATE
What are phosphorylations of Regulatory Proteins in Excitation Contraction Coupling Modify?
Phosphorylations of Regulatory Proteins in Excitation Contraction Coupling Modify Contractility by Controlling Cellular Ca2+Fluxes, the Response of the Myofilaments to Ca2+, and the Kinetics of the Cross-Bridge Cycle
What is contractility in physics?
Contractility is the change in peak isometric force (isovolumic pressure) at a given initial fibre length (end diastolic volume).
What is the determinant of contraction?
Preload is a major determinant of contraction. The degree of sarcomere stretch at the very end of diastole is an important factor in determining the force of contraction , as we might recall from the Frank-Starling relationship. The more volume, the greater the force of contraction, until beyond a certain point the sarcomeres stretch becomes too
What is the effect of preload on contraction?
Effects of preload on contractility. Preload is a major determinant of contraction . The degree of sarcomere stretch at the very end of diastole is an important factor in determining the force of contraction, as we might recall from the Frank-Starling relationship.
Does hypothermia decrease contractility?
Extracellular calcium - availability of which is necessary for contraction. Temperature: hypothermia decreases contractility, which is linked to the temperature dependence of myosin ATPase and the decreased affinity of catecholamine receptors for their ligands. Measures of contractility include:
Is calcium a determinant of contractility?
From this, it follows that intracellular calcium concentration is a determinant of contractility . That's a fairly indirect thing to discuss, as we don't normally measure it, or titrate our interventions to it, or really think about it in any meaningful sense. And yet, it is there. Any discussion of cardiac contractility would need to include the contribution of calcium, and the factors which modify it. Which are:
What increases cardiac contractility in transgenic mice?
Targeted overexpression of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase increases cardiac contractility in transgenic mouse hearts.
Does inflammatory cytokines affect contractility?
All these derangements further impair cardiac contractility. In addition, inflammatory cytokines directly reduce contractility by interfering with SERCA2a [88].
Does proteotoxic stress affect cardiac contractility?
Moreover, the reduction of proteotoxic stress by improving autophagic function has been proved to have positive impact on cardiac contractility [31].
When did South Africa have its worst economic contraction?
During the pandemic last year, South Africa had its worst economic contraction since at least 1946. — Alexandra Wexler, WSJ, 17 June 2021 The figures reported Friday were magnified by comparison with early 2020, when the world’s second-largest economy fell into its deepest contraction in decades.
What does "they'll" mean?
2 : a shortening of a word, syllable, or word group by omission of a sound or letter also : a form produced by such shortening "They'll" is a contraction for "they will."
