passive force

physiology

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July 23, 2026

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Passive force in physiology refers to the force generated by non-contracting or inactive muscles due to the elastic elements within the muscle tissue. This force becomes apparent when a skeletal muscle is stretched beyond its normal resting length. Unlike active muscle contraction, which involves the pulling action of contractile proteins, passive force is a result of the muscle's inherent elasticity. This is distinct from passive transport in cell membranes, which describes the movement of substances across the membrane without energy expenditure, such as by diffusion.123

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muscle
Length-tension relationship
…of the muscle, however, a passive force begins to assert itself. The exact length at which this passive force occurs depends on the particular muscle. This force is characterized as passive because it is developed in noncontracting or inactive muscles by the elastic elements of the muscle.
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…of the muscle, however, a passive force begins to assert itself. The exact length at which this passive force occurs depends on the particular muscle. This force is characterized as passive because it is developed in noncontracting or inactive muscles by the elastic elements of the muscle.
Read More