The Reflex That Prevents a Muscle from Exerting Too Much

Question

The reflex that prevents a muscle from exerting too much tension is the ________ reflex.
A) stretch
B) tendon
C) flexor
D) crossed extensor
E) reciprocal

Accepted Answer

The reflex that prevents a muscle from exerting too much tension is called the tendon reflex. It occurs when the Golgi tendon organ, located in the tendon of a muscle, detects excessive tension or stretch and sends a signal to the spinal cord to inhibit further contraction of that muscle. This helps prevent injury or damage to the muscle and surrounding tissues.