Medical dictionary. 2011.
Contraction — may refer to: In physiology: Muscle contraction, one that occurs when a muscle fiber lengthens or shortens Uterine contraction, contraction of the uterus, such as during childbirth Contraction, a stage in wound healing In linguistics: Synalepha,… … Wikipedia
Uterus — The uterus (womb) is a hollow, pear shaped organ located in a woman s lower abdomen between the bladder and the rectum. The narrow, lower portion of the uterus is the cervix; the broader, upper part is the corpus. The corpus is made up of two… … Medical dictionary
contraction — [kən trak′shən] n. [ME contraccioun < OFr contraction < L contractio] 1. a contracting or being contracted 2. the shortening and thickening of a muscle fiber or a muscle in action, esp. of the uterus during labor 3. Gram. a) the shortening… … English World dictionary
contraction — late 14c., action of making a contract (especially of marriage), also action of shrinking or shortening, from O.Fr. contraction (13c.), or directly from L. contractionem (nom. contractio), noun of action from pp. stem of contrahere (see CONTRACT… … Etymology dictionary
Contraction (childbirth) — In medicine (obstetrics), a contraction is a forceful and painful motion of the uterus as part of the process of childbirth. Contractions, and labour in general, is one condition that releases the hormone oxytocin into the body.Prior to actual… … Wikipedia
contraction — 1. A shortening or increase in tension; denoting the normal function of muscle. 2. A shrinkage or reduction in size. 3. Heart beat, as in premature c..beat. [L. contractus, drawn together] after c … Medical dictionary
Uterine contraction — A uterine contraction is a muscle contraction of the uterine smooth muscle. Contents 1 Throughout menstrual cycle 2 In childbirth 3 In orgasm 4 References … Wikipedia
Glands and hormones of the human endocrine system — ▪ Table Glands and hormones of the human endocrine system gland or tissue principal hormone function testis testosterone stimulates development of male sex organs and secondary sex characteristics, including facial hair growth and increased… … Universalium
uterine contraction — noun a rhythmic tightening in labor of the upper uterine musculature that contracts the size of the uterus and pushes the fetus toward the birth canal • Hypernyms: ↑contraction, ↑muscular contraction, ↑muscle contraction • Part Holonyms:… … Useful english dictionary
hourglass contraction — contraction of an organ (as the stomach or uterus) at or near the middle … Medical dictionary
