Which term is another name for the stretch reflex?

Which term is another name for the stretch reflex?

• A. Deep tendon reflex
• B. Autogenic inhibition
• C. Golgi tendon reflex
• D. Flexor reflex

Answer: (A)

The stretch reflex is a monosynaptic reflex mediated by muscle spindle Ia afferents. When the muscle is quickly stretched, the spindle sends a signal directly to the same muscle’s alpha motor neuron, causing a quick contraction. This reflex is what you test when you tap a tendon and see the muscle contract—the deep tendon reflex. The term deep tendon reflex describes reflexes elicited by tendon percussion, such as the knee-jerk. Autogenic inhibition, or the Golgi tendon reflex, involves the Golgi tendon organ sensing tension and inhibiting the same muscle to protect it from excessive force—not the stretch reflex. The flexor (withdrawal) reflex is a polysynaptic response to noxious stimuli that causes limb withdrawal, not a simple stretch response.

The stretch reflex is a monosynaptic reflex mediated by muscle spindle Ia afferents. When the muscle is quickly stretched, the spindle sends a signal directly to the same muscle’s alpha motor neuron, causing a quick contraction. This reflex is what you test when you tap a tendon and see the muscle contract—the deep tendon reflex. The term deep tendon reflex describes reflexes elicited by tendon percussion, such as the knee-jerk.

Autogenic inhibition, or the Golgi tendon reflex, involves the Golgi tendon organ sensing tension and inhibiting the same muscle to protect it from excessive force—not the stretch reflex. The flexor (withdrawal) reflex is a polysynaptic response to noxious stimuli that causes limb withdrawal, not a simple stretch response.