Golgi tendon organs detect which of the following in the muscle?

Golgi tendon organs detect which of the following in the muscle?

• A. Stretch in the muscle
• B. Temperature changes in the muscle
• C. Nociceptive signals
• D. Joint position

Answer: (A)

Golgi tendon organs monitor the force generated by a muscle by sensing the stretch of the tendon as the muscle contracts. Located in the tendon, they fire when tension rises, providing the CNS with information about how hard the muscle is pulling. This tension-sensing role helps protect the muscle from injury through a reflex that can reduce contraction when needed. Temperature changes, nociceptive (pain) signals, and joint position are detected by other receptors—thermoreceptors, nociceptors, and joint/muscle proprioceptors, respectively—rather than the Golgi tendon organs.

Golgi tendon organs monitor the force generated by a muscle by sensing the stretch of the tendon as the muscle contracts. Located in the tendon, they fire when tension rises, providing the CNS with information about how hard the muscle is pulling. This tension-sensing role helps protect the muscle from injury through a reflex that can reduce contraction when needed. Temperature changes, nociceptive (pain) signals, and joint position are detected by other receptors—thermoreceptors, nociceptors, and joint/muscle proprioceptors, respectively—rather than the Golgi tendon organs.