A process in which force is generated within smooth muscle tissue, resulting in a change in muscle geometry. This process occurs in the arteriole. Force generation involves a chemo-mechanical energy conversion step that is carried out by the actin/myosin complex activity, which generates force through ATP hydrolysis. The arteriole is the smallest division of the artery located between the muscular arteries and the capillaries.
Source:
GOC:mtg_muscle,
MA:0000706,
MSH:D001160