Tension

Tension (physics) - may be described as a pulling force transmitted axially, or an action-reaction pair of forces acting at each end of a structure. Often this may be visualized as a "stretching" or "lengthening" force resulting in "tautness". The rope in a game of tug-of-war is a good example.

• Example: Muscular tension is the result of contractile proteins attempting to pull a muscle to a shorter length while being resisted by joints, connective tissue and external loads.