What is muscle tone?

Skeletal muscle tone refers to the continuous and involuntary contraction of muscles at rest to maintain a baseline level of tension. It is not related to the size of the muscle fibers themselves but rather their firmness and readiness to respond to stimuli. A more toned muscle is more firm and tight and often responds more quickly to stimuli.

The central nervous system sends signals to motor neurons, which, in turn, regulate muscle tone. These signals maintain a fine balance between muscle contraction and relaxation to allow for maximum body functions.

The two main types of muscle tone include resting and active. Resting muscle tone refers to when muscles are at rest but still maintain a certain level of contraction. It provides a foundation for posture and stability. Active muscle tone is involved during movement or activity, and it involves the coordinated contraction and relaxation of muscles to perform specific tasks.