The Size Principle is a fundamental concept in neurophysiology that describes the order of motor unit recruitment in response to increasing strength of neural input. It states that smaller motor units are recruited first, followed by larger ones, allowing for smooth and graded increases in muscle force production.

Size Principle

fundamental concept

Neurophysiology is the branch of physiology and neuroscience that studies the functioning of the nervous system, focusing on how nerve cells and circuits process information and mediate behavior. It integrates knowledge from cellular to systems level, employing techniques like electrophysiology to understand neural dynamics and pathologies.

neurophysiology

Motor unit recruitment is the process by which the nervous system activates additional motor units to increase muscle force production. This recruitment follows the size principle, where smaller, fatigue-resistant motor units are activated first, followed by larger, more powerful units as needed for increased force demands.

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