A contracting muscle that develops tension but does not shorten is exhibiting which type of muscle tension?

The term that describes a contracting muscle that develops tension without shortening is "isometric." In an isometric contraction, the muscle generates force while maintaining its length, meaning there is no change in the muscle's overall dimension. This type of contraction occurs when the muscle is activated but does not move the surrounding bones.

Isometric contractions are significant in activities such as holding a weight in a fixed position or maintaining posture, where stability is required without movement. It's essential in rehabilitation and strength training, as it helps in building muscle strength at specific joint angles without the risk of strain associated with movement.

In contrast, isotonic contractions involve muscle shortening (concentric) or lengthening (eccentric) while maintaining constant tension. Isovolume and isovelocity do not typically apply to typical muscle action descriptions in this context and are more relevant in specialized biomechanical studies. Therefore, recognizing isometric contraction is key in understanding how muscles operate under tension in scenarios without movement.