Muscle Spindle
Sensory receptors in muscles that detect changes in muscle length.
Updated
Muscle spindles are sensory organs within muscles that detect changes in muscle length and the rate of that change. When a muscle is stretched rapidly, spindles trigger the stretch reflex, causing protective contraction. Understanding spindles helps explain why slow stretching is safer and why bouncing in stretches can be counterproductive.
Examples
- Stretch reflex when falling
- Knee-jerk reflex
- Why static stretching is held
Related Terms
Common questions
What is Muscle Spindle?
Sensory receptors in muscles that detect changes in muscle length. Muscle spindles are sensory organs within muscles that detect changes in muscle length and the rate of that change.
What are examples of Muscle Spindle?
Stretch reflex when falling; Knee-jerk reflex; Why static stretching is held.
Put it into practice
12-Week Muscle Building · £29
A 12-week, four-day hypertrophy plan in three phases, with a modest calorie surplus