Neuromuscular physiology

Question 1

Using an example, explain the Stretch Reflex and its role in plyometric training

Answer 1

Anytime muscle lengthens rapidly it will be told to contract(reflexes)

plyometric: voluntary contraction + stretch reflex = more muscle fibres involved

Question 2

Using an example, explain the “Inverse” Stretch Reflex

Answer 2

“Turns off muscle” acts as safety so the muscle doesn’t tear…

eg. falling off of a ladder
eg. bench till failure

Question 3

Explain how a signal originating in your brain(include where in your brain) leads to a muscle contraction

Answer 3

1. initiation in the Brain:
   The decision to contract a muscle begins in the brain, specifically in the motor cortex. The motor cortex is a region of the cerebral cortex responsible for planning, executing, and controlling voluntary movements.

Nerve impulse (action potential) sequence of events
1. Resting state
2. Depolarization (Changing Polarity)
3. Propagation of action potential
4. Repolarization
5. Return to resting state

Question 4

Over-riding of the stretch reflex * Receptor :_________

Answer 4

Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO)

Question 5

The stretch reflex receptor:

Answer 5

muscle spindle

Question 6

Brain
– Motor Cortex
* Where our ________ muscle contraction signals originate from
– Primary
– Supplemental – Pre-Motor

Answer 6

voluntary