<P> Length - tension relationship relates the strength of an isometric contraction to the length of the muscle at which the contraction occurs . Muscles operate with greatest active tension when close to an ideal length ( often their resting length ) . When stretched or shortened beyond this ( whether due to the action of the muscle itself or by an outside force ) , the maximum active tension generated decreases . This decrease is minimal for small deviations , but the tension drops off rapidly as the length deviates further from the ideal . Due to the presence of elastic proteins within a muscle cell ( such as titin ) and extracellular matrix , as the muscle is stretched beyond a given length , there is an entirely passive tension , which opposes lengthening . Combined together , there is a strong resistance to lengthening an active muscle far beyond the peak of active tension . </P>
<P> Length - tension relationship relates the strength of an isometric contraction to the length of the muscle at which the contraction occurs . Muscles operate with greatest active tension when close to an ideal length ( often their resting length ) . When stretched or shortened beyond this ( whether due to the action of the muscle itself or by an outside force ) , the maximum active tension generated decreases . This decrease is minimal for small deviations , but the tension drops off rapidly as the length deviates further from the ideal . Due to the presence of elastic proteins within a muscle cell ( such as titin ) and extracellular matrix , as the muscle is stretched beyond a given length , there is an entirely passive tension , which opposes lengthening . Combined together , there is a strong resistance to lengthening an active muscle far beyond the peak of active tension . </P>
in relation to contraction of muscle passive force is defined as
in relation to contraction of muscle passive force is defined as
tension , which opposes lengthening
tension , which opposes lengthening