Which term describes decreased tension in muscles and laxity with movement?

• A. Dystonia
• B. Hypertonicity
• C. Hypotonicity
• D. Rigidity

Answer: (C)

Decreased muscle tone, or hypotonicity, is the condition described here. When tone is low, muscles offer less resistance to passive movement and joints feel lax, giving the limb a floppy, easily moveable feel during activity. This reduced baseline tension means there’s less automatic postural support and stabilization as movement occurs. The other terms indicate higher or abnormal muscle activity: dystonia involves involuntary contractions that cause twisting and abnormal postures; hypertonicity is excessive tone with increased resistance; rigidity is a constant stiffness across movements. So the description of decreased tension with accompanying laxity fits hypotonicity.