RECIPROCAL INHIBITION Meaning and
Definition
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Reciprocal inhibition is a term used in the field of neuroscience and physiology to describe a mechanism by which the activity of one muscle group is regulated or inhibited by the contraction of its opposing muscle group. It refers to the concept that when one muscle contracts, the muscles on the opposite side of a joint relax or become inhibited.
In the human body, muscles are arranged in pairs known as agonist and antagonist muscles. The agonist muscle is responsible for producing a specific movement, while the antagonist muscle acts to oppose or reverse that movement. Reciprocal inhibition occurs as a result of neural pathways and reflex arcs that control these muscle groups.
The mechanism of reciprocal inhibition involves the activation of inhibitory interneurons in the spinal cord. When there is a signal from the brain to contract an agonist muscle, the inhibitory interneurons simultaneously send signals to relax or inhibit the antagonistic muscle. This inhibition allows for smooth and coordinated movement, as it prevents both muscles from contracting simultaneously and fighting each other.
Reciprocal inhibition is essential for normal movement patterns, proper coordination, and joint stability. It plays a vital role in various activities such as walking, running, and lifting objects. Dysfunction or impairment in reciprocal inhibition can lead to muscle imbalances, coordination problems, and increased risk of injury.
Overall, reciprocal inhibition is a fundamental concept in neuroscience and physiology that explains how the activation of one muscle group leads to the inhibition of its opposing muscle group, enabling precise and coordinated movement.
Common Misspellings for RECIPROCAL INHIBITION
- eeciprocal inhibition
- deciprocal inhibition
- feciprocal inhibition
- teciprocal inhibition
- 5eciprocal inhibition
- 4eciprocal inhibition
- rwciprocal inhibition
- rsciprocal inhibition
- rdciprocal inhibition
- rrciprocal inhibition
- r4ciprocal inhibition
- r3ciprocal inhibition
- rexiprocal inhibition
- reviprocal inhibition
- refiprocal inhibition
- rediprocal inhibition
- recuprocal inhibition
- recjprocal inhibition
- reckprocal inhibition
Etymology of RECIPROCAL INHIBITION
The word "reciprocal" comes from the Latin word "reciprocus", which means "alternating" or "mutual". It is derived from the combination of "re-" meaning "back" or "again" and "proculus" meaning "forward".
The term "inhibition" comes from the Latin word "inhibitio", which means "restraint" or "holding back". It is derived from the combination of "in-" meaning "into" or "against" and "habere" meaning "to have" or "to hold".
Therefore, "reciprocal inhibition" combines these two terms. "Reciprocal" refers to an alternating or mutual action between two things, while "inhibition" refers to the act of restraining or holding back.
Similar spelling word for RECIPROCAL INHIBITION
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