The property of muscle that enables it to return to its original length and shape after contraction or extension is
A elasticity
B extensibility
C contractility
D electrical excitability
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A elasticity.
Elasticity is the property of muscle tissue that allows it to return to its original length and shape after being stretched or contracted. This ability is crucial for maintaining muscle function because muscles need to return to their resting state after contraction in order to be ready for the next action. Elasticity is primarily provided by the connective tissue structures within the muscle, such as the tendons and the extracellular matrix that surrounds muscle fibers.
When a muscle contracts, it shortens and generates force. Once the contraction ends, the muscle fibers are able to return to their resting length because of the elastic properties of the tissue. This is similar to a rubber band: when stretched, it becomes longer, but when released, it snaps back to its original size due to the inherent elasticity of the material. In muscles, the elasticity helps in reducing the risk of injury from overstretching by allowing the muscle to recoil and return to its normal length.
In contrast, extensibility refers to the ability of muscle tissue to stretch or lengthen, while contractility refers to the muscle’s ability to shorten and generate force during contraction. Electrical excitability refers to the ability of muscle cells to respond to electrical stimuli, which triggers muscle contraction. These properties work together to ensure proper muscle function, but elasticity is specifically what allows a muscle to return to its original shape after it has been stretched or contracted.