Neurology | Spinal Cord: Golgi Tendon Organ Reflex (GTO)

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Ninja Nerds!
Join us for this lecture, where Professor Zach Murphy will discuss the Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO) reflex, an essential spinal cord-mediated mechanism that helps protect muscles and tendons from excessive force. We begin by reviewing the anatomy of the GTO, a specialized mechanoreceptor located at the junction between muscle fibers and tendons, and how it is innervated by Ib afferent fibers. These sensory fibers are sensitive to changes in muscle tension rather than length, distinguishing the GTO reflex from the muscle spindle stretch reflex.

We then explore the physiology of the GTO reflex arc. Increased tension in a contracting muscle activates the GTO, which sends Ib afferent signals to inhibitory interneurons in the spinal cord. This results in inhibition of the alpha motor neurons supplying the same muscle (autogenic inhibition), allowing the muscle to relax and preventing potential damage. At the same time, reciprocal excitation facilitates contraction of the antagonist muscle, contributing to controlled and coordinated movement.

Finally, we connect this concept to clinical and functional applications, including its role in fine-tuning motor control during activities requiring precision and how dysfunction in inhibitory pathways can lead to abnormal tone or spasticity. We also compare and contrast the GTO and stretch reflex to highlight how the nervous system integrates multiple sensory feedback systems for optimal motor function.

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