one of the contractile organs of the body

become tense, nervous, or uneasy

a small muscle in the middle ear that tenses to protect the eardrum

The tensor veli palatini (tensor palati or tensor muscle of the velum palatinum) is a broad, thin, ribbon-like muscle in the head that tenses the soft palate.

The tensor fasciae latae (or tensor fasciæ latæ) is a muscle of the thigh; it assists in keeping the balance of the pelvis while standing, walking, or running.