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Stretch Reflex

The document discusses the muscular system, including the two types of muscle fibers - extrafusal fibers that contract and intrafusal fibers called muscle spindles that control muscle tone. It describes how muscles contract via neural input from motor neurons in response to sensory feedback from proprioceptive endings in the muscles that detect changes in length. Specifically, it explains how the stretch reflex works through activation of alpha and gamma motor neurons in response to a stretch detected by the muscle spindle, allowing the muscle to contract and return to its original position.

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Ronald Susanto Budhy
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223 views18 pages

Stretch Reflex

The document discusses the muscular system, including the two types of muscle fibers - extrafusal fibers that contract and intrafusal fibers called muscle spindles that control muscle tone. It describes how muscles contract via neural input from motor neurons in response to sensory feedback from proprioceptive endings in the muscles that detect changes in length. Specifically, it explains how the stretch reflex works through activation of alpha and gamma motor neurons in response to a stretch detected by the muscle spindle, allowing the muscle to contract and return to its original position.

Uploaded by

Ronald Susanto Budhy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Muscular System

The Striated Muscle (those responsible


for voluntary movements)
Anatomy - Two types of fibers

Extrafusal Fiber: these fibers do the work of the


muscle.
Intrafusal Fiber or Muscle Spindle: controls muscle
tone and provides important sensory information.

Contraction

Controlled by the nervous system


Muscles only shorten (i.e., only go one direction)
Organized in opposition pairs.

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The Stretch Reflex

Neural Input into


the Muscle

Extrafusal fibers are


input by alpha motor
neurons

These neurons are


large and fast.

Intrafusal Fibers are


input by gamma
motor neurons

These neurons are


relatively small and
slow.
They are involved in
the control of muscle
tone.
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Proprioception: Sensing Muscle


Condition
Limb Position
Sensoryand
Endings
in Muscles

Anulospiral: wraps around muscle spindle,


senses dynamic changes in muscle length.
Flower spray: looks like little flowers,
sense static changes in muscle length,
helps determine position.

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Innervation of a Skeletal Muscle


The arm is commanded to a particular position.

sensory neuron

interneuron

motor neuron

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A weight is applied to the arm.

sensory neuron

interneuron

motor neuron

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A weight is applied to the arm.

sensory neuron

interneuron

motor neuron

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This weight pushes down the arm which stretches

sensory neuron

interneuron

motor neuron

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This stretch is detected by the sensory neurons in


and transferred to the interneron in the spinal cho

sensory neuron

interneuron

motor neuron

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A command to further contract the muscle is sent


alpha motor neuron.

sensory neuron

interneuron

motor neuron

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The arm is returned to its commanded position.

sensory neuron

interneuron

motor neuron

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The Stretch Reflex and Muscle Tone


The Intruafusal Muscle Fiber or Muscle Spindle

Gamma Motor Neuron


Rubber bands
]

Posts

[
]
Model of the Muscle Spindle and Stretch Detectio
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Muscle Tone

Muscle tone is the general state of


contraction of the muscles.
If you have low muscle tone the muscles are
flaccid (relaxed).
If high muscle tone, the muscle is contracted.
Muscle tone changes over time, e.g. during a
step

Muscle tone is low as we pick up our leg


Muscle tone is high on all leg muscles as we
prepare to put it back down and it has to support
our weight

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The Spindle and Stretch


The Muscle Spindle

Gamma Motor Neuron

[
]
Model of the Muscle Spindle and Stretch Detectio
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The Spindle and Stretch


The Muscle Spindle
The ends of the spindle are pulled out

Gamma Motor Neuron

[
]
Model of the Muscle Spindle and Stretch Detectio
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The Spindle and Stretch

What happens when the spindle is


stretched?
Which motor neuron is effected?

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Activation of the Motor Neuron


The Muscle Spindle

Gamma Motor Neuron

[
]
Model of the Muscle Spindle and Stretch Detectio
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Activation of the Motor Neuron


The Muscle Spindle
The middle is pulled in

Gamma Motor Neuron

[]
Model of the Muscle Spindle and Stretch Detectio
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The effects of motor neuron

activation
What happens to the rubber bands in

the model?
Can the sensory endings tell the
difference in the cause of the stretch?
What happens when the spindles are
stretched?
How could this be used in muscle tone?

04/18/16

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