How is muscle tone defined?

Muscle tone is defined as a slight degree of contraction in some muscle fibers while others remain relaxed. This characteristic is crucial for maintaining posture and readiness for movement, as it allows the muscles to stay firm and supportive without conscious effort. It involves a balance between contraction and relaxation, where some muscle fibers are continuously active at a low level to stabilize and support the body.

The body regulates muscle tone through neural input from the central nervous system, ensuring that muscles are primed for action while also avoiding complete fatigue. This fine-tuning is particularly important for maintaining position and stability during both static and dynamic activities.

Muscle tone is distinct from simply having exercised muscle or the idea of complete relaxation; instead, it represents a dynamic state of readiness in the muscle's contraction patterns.