Final answer:
The correct order in the muscle contraction cycle is contraction, extension, relaxation. Contraction begins with a signal from the motor neuron, followed by muscle shortening, then the joint moves (extension), and finally, the muscle relaxes and lengthens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The order of events in the contraction cycle during the process of skeletal muscle contraction is contraction, extension, and relaxation. The cycle begins with a signal from a motor neuron, which leads to the contraction phase where the muscle fiber's sarcomeres shorten to create tension and move a load. This is followed by the extension phase, which refers to the actual movement of a joint resulting from the contraction. After the work is done, the muscle enters the relaxation phase, where the tension decreases and the muscle lengthens back to its resting state.
Different types of contractions such as concentric and eccentric isotonic contractions are also important. During a concentric contraction, the muscle shortens while under tension as in the case of lifting a weight, whereas in an eccentric contraction, tension is gradually released as the muscle lengthens, like when lowering a weight.