Muscle spindles are sensory receptors located within muscles that detect changes in muscle length and the rate of that change. They play a crucial role in regulating muscle contraction and maintaining posture.
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Muscle spindles are composed of intrafusal fibers which are innervated by both sensory and motor neurons.
They provide feedback to the central nervous system about muscle stretch, enabling proprioception.
The primary afferent (Ia) fibers are responsible for transmitting rapid changes in muscle length.
Gamma motor neurons adjust the sensitivity of muscle spindles by altering the tension of intrafusal fibers.
Muscle spindle activity results in the stretch reflex, which helps prevent muscle damage from overstretching.