A 22-year-old man involved in a car accident shows deep lacerations. What functional capability of the injured muscles will be decreased due to scar formation?

Scar formation generally occurs after tissue injury, such as cuts or lacerations, leading to the healing process that involves the formation of fibrous connective tissue. This tissue replaces normal muscle tissue, influencing how the affected muscles function.

The correct choice identifies that the capacity for passive stretching is impaired due to scar formation. Normal muscle tissue has elastic properties, allowing it to stretch and return to its original form without damage. In contrast, scar tissue lacks these elastic characteristics; instead, it is typically more rigid and has a reduced ability to stretch when force is applied passively. This reduced elasticity can lead to limitations in the range of motion and overall flexibility of the muscles involved.

While factors such as glycogen deposition or the ability to contract and relax play roles in muscle function, scar tissue specifically compromises the mechanical and functional attributes of the muscle, particularly in terms of stretching. Thus, the functional capability of the injured muscles most notably affected by scar formation is the ability to undergo passive stretching.