Stretch reflex

brief description of stretch reflex and its functions

1. Microteaching Stretch Reflex

2. Contents Objective Definition Stretch reflex Functions of stretch reflex Home work

3. Objective of the class To understand what is stretch Reflex

4. Definition It is a muscle contraction in response to stretching within the muscle. It is a monosynaptic reflex which provides automatic regulation of skeletal muscle length. Features: Monosynaptic: a simple reflex involving only one synapse between the sensory and motor neuron. Ipsilateral : the stretch reflex is ipsilateral as it stimulates only the stipulated muscle to respond on the same side and not on the opposite side. Automatic regulation: a sudden change induced in a muscle length or velocity gives signal to the spinal cord, which thus sends return signal to the muscle, thus leading to contraction.

5. Remember 3 things : Muscle spindle: the muscle receptors, which respond to change in muscle length (located in muscle bulk) Integrating center: can be either spinal cord or brain. In stretch reflex it is usually the spinal cord: away from tendon Links : afferents- nerves taking signal towards brain or Spinal cord and efferents: nerves taking signal away from brain or spinal cord: towards tendon.

6. Functions of stretch reflex Muscle protection: stretching of spindle  increasing muscle length  increase in motor neuron activity  muscle to contract  reduce stretching. Maintain good posture: it is the consequence of stretch reflex.

7. Summary….. Define 3 things to remember 2 Functions

8. Stretch Reflex

9. Reference Kisner C and Colby. Therapeutic exercise: foundations and techniques.6 th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

10. Thank You