Lusitropic
Lusitropic (pronounced: loo-si-tro-pic) is a term used in Cardiology to describe the relaxation properties of the heart's cardiac muscle. The term is derived from the Greek words "lusis" meaning loosening and "tropos" meaning a turning.
Etymology
The term "Lusitropic" is derived from the Greek words "lusis" meaning loosening and "tropos" meaning a turning. It is used to describe the relaxation properties of the heart's cardiac muscle.
Definition
In cardiology, lusitropy refers to the rate at which the cardiac muscle relaxes after contraction. Positive lusitropy means an increase in the rate of relaxation, while negative lusitropy refers to a decrease in the rate of relaxation. This is an important aspect of the heart's function as it determines the rate at which the heart can fill with blood and thus, the overall cardiac output.
Related Terms
- Inotropy: Refers to the force of the heart's contraction.
- Chronotropy: Refers to the heart rate.
- Dromotropy: Refers to the conduction velocity (the speed at which the heart's electrical signal is conducted).
- Bathmotropy: Refers to the heart's excitability.
See Also
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