A muscle contraction in response to stretching within the muscle
The stretch reflex (myotatic reflex) is a muscle contraction in response to stretching within the muscle. It is a monosynaptic reflex which provides automatic regulation of skeletal muscle length. When a muscle lengthens, the muscle spindle is stretched and its nerve activity increases. 10 most extreme places on Earth. A stretch reflex, also referred to as a deep tendon reflex or myotatic stretch reflex, is a physical response to the extension of a muscle. In essence, it is a process that causes a contraction, thereby stopping a stretch. The stretch reflex; which is also often called the myotatic reflex, knee-jerk reflex, or deep tendon reflex, is a pre-programmed response by the body to a stretch stimulus in the muscle. The stretch reflex is a muscle contraction in response to stretching within the muscle. It is a monosynaptic reflex which provides automatic regulation of skeletal muscle length. When a muscle lengthens, the muscle spindle is stretched and its nerve activity increases. The stretch reflex is very important in posture. It helps maintain proper posturing because a slight lean to either side causes a stretch in the spinal, hip and leg muscles to the other side, which is quickly countered by the stretch reflex. This is a constant process of adjusting and maintaining. The stretch reflex prevents people from overextending their muscles. Protective response is what prevents muscles from being stretched too far. Before a workout, take time to gently and slowly stretch the muscles in order to help prevent any muscle damage. The stretch reflex is caused by a stretch in the muscle spindle. When the stretch impulse is received a rapid sequence of events follows. The motor neuron is activated and the stretched muscles, and its supporting muscles, are contracted while its antagonist muscles are inhibited. Another example of the stretch reflex is the knee-jerk test performed by physicians. When the patellar tendon is tapped with a small hammer, or other device, it causes a slight stretch in the tendon, and consequently the quadriceps muscles.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stretch_reflex http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-stretch-reflex.htm http://stretchcoach.com/articles/myotatic-stretch-reflex/ http://www.definitions.net/definition/stretch%20reflex http://stretchcoach.com/articles/myotatic-stretch-reflex/ http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-stretch-reflex.htm http://stretchcoach.com/articles/myotatic-stretch-reflex/ http://stretchcoach.com/articles/myotatic-stretch-reflex/
what is a stretch reflex