1969
DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.1969.sp008918
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Evidence that the secondary as well as the primary endings of the muscle spindles may be responsible for the tonic stretch reflex of the decerebrate cat

Abstract: SUMMARY1. The size of the tonic stretch reflex of the soleus or gastrocnemius muscle of the decerebrate cat has been compared with the size of the reflex contraction elicited in the same muscle by high-frequency vibration applied to its tendon.2. On the assumption that vibration preferentially excites the primary endings of the muscle spindles it may be used to estimate the relation between the reflex response and the frequency of the Ia input to the spinal cord. On this basis, the increase in tension evoked b… Show more

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Cited by 146 publications
(55 citation statements)
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“…In the decerebrate cat the stretch reflex response to a small muscle stretch is relatively powerful compared with the response to a longer extension (Matthews, 1969). This high level of sensitivity to small movements can probably be attributed to the non-linear behaviour of the primary endings of the muscle spindles which discharge many more impulses/sec for each millimetre extension when the movement is small than when it is large (Matthews & Stein, 1969).…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 92%
“…In the decerebrate cat the stretch reflex response to a small muscle stretch is relatively powerful compared with the response to a longer extension (Matthews, 1969). This high level of sensitivity to small movements can probably be attributed to the non-linear behaviour of the primary endings of the muscle spindles which discharge many more impulses/sec for each millimetre extension when the movement is small than when it is large (Matthews & Stein, 1969).…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 92%
“…There is nothing intrinsically surprising about the present view that such a basically simple response as the stretch reflex should fall entirely into the sphere of action of the spinal cord. Some of the implications of the present hypothesis were listed over a decade ago when the possibility was first raised that the spindle group II afferents might contribute to the stretch reflex of the decrebrate cat (Matthews, 1969); they remain pertinent, but do not merit reiteration. Perhaps the chief current interest of the suggested dual afferent input for the stretch reflex is that it allows for a greater modifiability of spinal action by higher centres than would otherwise be possible.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…It should be remembered, however, that different muscles (soleus; quadriceps) were used in the recording spindle sensitivity and decerebrate rigidity. There is evidence (Matthews, 1969) that the secondary as well as the primary endings of the muscle spindles may be responsible for the tonic stretch reflex of the decerebrate cat. Further studies would be required to establish whether there was any significant difference in the effects of dimethothiazine on the primary as compared to the secondary endings.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%