Tendon reflex
Encyclopedia
Tendon reflex may refer to:
- A stretch reflexStretch reflexThe stretch reflex is a muscle contraction in response to stretching within the muscle. It is a monosynaptic reflex which provides automatic regulation of skeletal muscle length....
, when the stretch is created by a blow upon a muscle tendon. This is the usual definition of the term. Deep tendon reflex also usually refers to this sense. - The Golgi tendon reflexGolgi tendon reflexThe Golgi tendon reflex is a normal component of the reflex arc of the peripheral nervous system. In a Golgi tendon reflex, skeletal muscle contraction causes the muscle to simultaneously lengthen and relax. This reflex is also called the inverse myotatic reflex, because it is the inverse of the...
, motivated by that the sensory receptors for this reflex are anatomically located in the tendon, while the sensory receptors for the stretch reflex are actually inside the proper muscle.