Golgi tendon organs are specialized receptors in tendons near where they attach to the muscles. They are afferent neurons and collagen fiber groups. In some areas, terminal branches of sensory axons are wrapped around groups of collagen fibers. Not all collagen tissue has afferent innervation. This sense results from the integration of information from muscle spindles, golgi tendon organs, and joint receptors.
Joint receptors are afferent components located within the synovial joint capsules and ligaments.
The body has the capacity to react to stimuli without conscious thought or higher brain function. This is a protective capacity because it allows actions to be taken to avoid injury, for example, withdrawing a hand from a hot stove. Return to Table of Contents for this issue .