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PCSA

Physiological Cross-Sectional Area

Biomechanics

Short definition

Physiological cross-sectional area of a muscle — determines its maximal force.

Full definition

PCSA is the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the fibre direction. Maximal isometric force scales with PCSA (specific force ~30–137 N/cm²). Muscles with larger pennation angles have larger PCSA.

Examples

Triceps PCSA is about 12 cm², giving roughly 360 N of force.

Related terms

Pennation Angle Force-Length Curve Muscle Fiber Type I Hill Muscle Model