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Muscle Contraction Pump

Meaning

The Muscle Contraction Pump, also known as the skeletal muscle pump, is a critical physiological mechanism where the rhythmic compression and relaxation of skeletal muscles surrounding deep veins and lymphatic vessels facilitate the unidirectional return of venous blood and lymph fluid toward the heart. This mechanism is essential for preventing fluid stasis in the extremities, supporting efficient circulation, and reducing the pooling of metabolic byproducts. It is a vital component of the circulatory system, particularly during exercise. Maintaining muscle tone is crucial for the efficiency of this pump.