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nmdcat.online July 28, 2026

Concerning the duration of muscle twitches, if a skeletal muscle twitch lasts approximately 10-100 milliseconds, what is the expected duration of a typical smooth muscle contraction?

A. 1-5 milliseconds
B. 10-100 milliseconds
C. 1-3 seconds (1000-3000 milliseconds)
✓
D. It does not contract; it only maintains tone

📝 Explanation

Smooth muscle contractions are characteristically very slow to develop and slow to relax. A single smooth muscle twitch can last anywhere from 1 to 3 seconds, which is up to 30 times longer than a typical skeletal muscle twitch, allowing for prolonged, sustained tension.

📖 Additional Information

  • 1-5 milliseconds
  • 10-100 milliseconds
  • 1-3 seconds (1000-3000 milliseconds)
  • It does not contract; it only maintains tone

Smooth muscle contractions are characteristically very slow to develop and slow to relax. A single smooth muscle twitch can last anywhere from 1 to 3 seconds, which is up to 30 times longer than a typical skeletal muscle twitch, allowing for prolonged, sustained tension.

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