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:
i. Monosynaptic: a simple reflex involving only one
synapse between the sensory and motor neuron.
ii. 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.
iii. 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:
1. Muscle spindle: the muscle receptors, which respond to
change in muscle length (located in muscle bulk)
2. Integrating center: can be either spinal cord or brain. In
stretch reflex it is usually the spinal cord: away from tendon
3. 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…..
a. Define
b. 3 things to remember
c. 2 Functions

8. Stretch Reflex

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

10. Thank You