Hypertonia

Definition

Hypertonia is a condition characterized by abnormally high muscle tone, resulting in stiffness and resistance to movement. It occurs when there's excessive activity in the muscles controlled by the nervous system.

Related terms

Spasticity: A specific type of hypertonia where muscles stiffen or tighten, preventing normal fluid movement.

Muscle tone: The continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles, which helps maintain posture.

Nervous system: The network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body, controlling muscle activity and tension