Continuous prolonged immobilization of skeletal muscle in a shortened position results in which of the following?

Question

A. Increased muscle tone from hyperactive reflexes
B. Contracture from loss of sarcomeres
C. Increased tensile strength from the addition of titin
D. Both A and B
E. A, B, and C

Answer 1

ANS: B
Rationale: When skeletal muscle is continually immobilized for a prolonged time, the muscle physiologically adjusts to the shortened position by losing sarcomeres from the ends of myofibrils. This length adjustment enables the shortened muscle to contract optimally at the shortened length.