ANS 330 Golgi Tendon Organ

golgi tendon organ

encapsulated sensory receptors through which a small bundle of muscle tendon fibers pass

GTO location

just proximal to tendon fibers' attachment to muscle fibers

GTO makeup

5-25 muscle fibers usually connected to each golgi tendon organ

What are GTOs sensitive to?

sensitive to tension in the muscle-tendon complex, operates like a strain gauge

What are sensory receptors like?

they are inhibitory in nature, performs protective function by reducing the potential for injury

What happens with the sensory receptors are stimulated?

they inhibit the contracting muscle (agonist) and excite the antagonistic muscle

What happens when you reduce the influence of GTO?

it results in disinhibition of active muscle, allows for more forceful contraction, gains in muscular strength that accompany strength training

GTO ultimate function

protect the muscle and its connective tissue harness from injury due to an excessive load