Cathoda closure tetanus is a medical condition characterized by the tightening of muscles in the body. The word "cathoda" is spelled /kəˈθoʊdə/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The "th" sound is pronounced as in the word "thin." "Closure" is spelled /ˈkloʊʒər/, and "tetanus" is spelled /ˈtɛtənəs/. The "e" in "tetanus" is pronounced as in "net," and the emphasis is on the second syllable. Together, these words describe a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can be treated with medication and other interventions.
Cathodal closure tetanus is a phenomenon that occurs in the field of electrophysiology, specifically in relation to nerve and muscle stimulation. Tetanus refers to a continuous and sustained contraction of a muscle due to repetitive stimulation. Cathodal closure, on the other hand, refers to the period during which an electrical current delivered to a nerve or muscle is turned off or interrupted.
In cathodal closure tetanus, the stimulus applied to a nerve or muscle is provided in such a way that the cathode, or the negative end of an electrical circuit, is activated and then interrupted periodically. This technique involves sending a series of electrical pulses, where each pulse is terminated by a momentary cessation of the stimulus. These pulses are delivered at a frequency high enough to evoke tetanic contractions, resulting in a sustained and forceful muscle contraction.
This phenomenon occurs due to the specific properties of nerve and muscle fibers. By manipulating the timing and duration of the stimulation, cathodal closure tetanus enables researchers and clinicians to study various parameters of nerve and muscle function. It helps in understanding the relationship between electrical stimulation and muscle response, facilitating further exploration of muscle physiology and the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders.
Cathodal closure tetanus is a significant concept in the field of electrophysiology as it aids in the evaluation and interpretation of nerve and muscle responses, allowing for better insights into their functioning and potential clinical applications.
A tetanic muscular contraction occurring during the time the circuit is closed, the current then running, while the negative pole is applied.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.