Initiation of tension-producing process of the contractile elements within muscles.
The shortening of a muscle.
The act of making something smaller or of becoming smaller.
A tightening movement which makes a muscle shorter, which makes the pupil of the eye smaller or which makes the skin wrinkle.
A movement of the muscles of the uterus occurring during childbirth.
Powerful, spasmodic, painful, rhythmic squeezing, as of the walls of the uterus during labor.
Shortening, or tension increase, as in muscle action; a persistent abnormal shortening.
The shortening of a muscle in response to a motor nerve impulse. This generates tension in the muscle, usually causing movement.
A shortening or tightening, as of a muscle; a shrinking or a reduction in size.
A shortening of muscle fibers that results in the movement of a joint.
During pregnancy, the uterus undergoes contractions, which involve the tightening of its muscular walls. These contractions can vary in terms of pain perception and may or may not signify the onset of labor.
The process of reducing in size or bringing two parts closer together.