Neurotendinous Spindle is a biological term that describes a specialized structure found in muscle tissue. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /njʊərəʊtɛnˈdaɪnəs ˈspɪndəl/. The word is spelled the way it is pronounced, with each syllable being pronounced distinctly. "Neuro" refers to the nervous system, "tendinous" means "relating to tendons", and "spindle" refers to the shape of the structure. The Neurotendinous Spindle allows muscles to maintain their tension, and is essential for muscle control and movement.
A neurotendinous spindle is a specialized sensory receptor found in muscles and tendons that detects changes in muscle length and tension. It consists of thin, elongated fibers called intrafusal muscle fibers, which are arranged parallel to regular muscle fibers called extrafusal muscle fibers. The central region of the neurotendinous spindle contains non-contractile tissue, including nerve endings.
The primary function of the neurotendinous spindle is to convey information about the status of muscle contraction to the central nervous system. When the muscle lengthens or contracts, the intrafusal muscle fibers within the spindle stretch or relax, respectively. This stretching or relaxation of the intrafusal fibers triggers the attached nerve endings, known as sensory nerve fibers, to send electrical signals to the brain.
The information provided by neurotendinous spindles is important for maintaining muscle tone, coordinating muscle activity, and regulating movements. They allow the brain to monitor muscle length and tension, leading to adjustments in muscle contraction and reflex responses. For example, when a muscle is stretched suddenly, neurotendinous spindles initiate a reflex contraction to protect against overstretching or injury.
In summary, neurotendinous spindles are sensory receptors located in muscles and tendons that detect changes in muscle length and tension. They play a crucial role in relaying information to the nervous system to maintain muscle tone, coordinate muscle activity, and regulate movements.
Golgi's organ.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "neurotendinous spindle" is a medical term used to describe a structure found within the skeletal muscles, specifically within the transitional region between the muscle and tendon.
The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Neuro-: This prefix comes from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve". In medical terminology, it typically indicates a relationship or involvement with the nervous system.
2. Tendinous: This term is derived from the Latin word "tendere", which means "to stretch" or "to extend". In medical terminology, it refers to a structure or tissue that is related to or composed of tendons.
3. Spindle: This word comes from the Old English word "spindel" and Latin word "spindula", both of which refer to a tool used for spinning thread.