Muscles retain a state of contraction, even when at rest. This is known as muscle tone. Muscle tone changes in response to the environment:
- When we sit down muscle tone reduces, as less activity is required.
- When we lie down muscle tone reduces still further.
- When we are relaxed muscle tone reduces.
- When we stand up, muscle tone increases to keep the body upright against gravity.
- When we are excited or anxious our muscle tone increases.
