The series elastic componet of muscle

Abstract The properties have been examined of the undamped elastic component which lies in series with the contractile component of muscle. At higher tensions the elasticity is normal; the form of the load-extension curve as a whole must be largely due to the statistical distribution of tendon length in different fibres. The mechanical (elastic) energy of a contracting muscle is expressed graphically as a function of its tension. Even under completely isometric conditions this elastic energy is a significant fraction of the heat production in a twitch.