What is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle known as?

A sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle is referred to as a spasm. This term specifically denotes an abrupt tightening of a muscle, which can lead to discomfort or pain. Muscle spasms can occur in various contexts, such as during exercise, due to dehydration, or as a symptom of an injury.

In contrast, cramp also relates to muscle contraction, but it typically refers to a more intense and often painful sensation that can persist longer than a spasm. Suturing is a procedure related to stitching wounds together, and pleurisy is an inflammation of the tissue around the lungs, unrelated to muscle contractions. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why spasm is the most accurate term for an involuntary muscle contraction in this context.