Golgi Tendon Reflex & Flexor Withdrawal

Question 0

Where are the Golgi tendon organs located?

Answer 0

Muscle tendons

Question 1

What is a Golgi tendon reflex?

Answer 1

Opposite effect of the stretch reflex

Question 2

What do the Golgi tendon organs do?

Answer 2

They are activated during a significant increase in muscle tension (i.e. Dangerously heavy loads)

They help to prevent muscles/tendons from tearing.

Question 3

What happens during the Polysynaptic effect?1

Answer 3

The Golgi tendon organs afferent signal travels to the dorsal horn and synapses with an inhibitory neuron & excitatory neuron.
Inhibitory neuron synapses with the ventral horn alpha-motor neuron for the contracting muscle.
Excitatory neuron synapses with the antagonist muscle.
= reciprocal activation

Question 4

What is the flexor withdrawal reflex?

Answer 4

It is initiated by a painful stimulus (actual or perceived) that causes automatic withdrawal of the threatened body part.

• can occur either polysnaptic or ipsilateral.
• protection (survival).
• overrides all other pathways.
  - Can be overridden by the brain.

Question 5

What is the cross-extension reflex?

Answer 5

Includes the flexor withdrawal component PLUS contralateral side is extended. (i.e. Scared and automatically punch)