Neurophysiology: muscle spindle: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Neurophysiology: muscle spindle

Sample item

Stretch of a skeletal muscle activates which receptor that mediates the monosynaptic stretch reflex?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Muscle spindle

Muscle spindles detect muscle length and rate of stretch through Ia afferents, exciting alpha motor neurons to the stretched muscle. Golgi tendon organs respond to tension and mediate inhibitory reflexes.

Option by option

  • A. Muscle spindle (correct)

    Correct. Spindles initiate the classic stretch reflex.

  • B. Golgi tendon organ

    Golgi tendon organs sense tension at the musculotendinous junction.

  • C. Free nerve ending

    Free nerve endings mainly detect pain and temperature.

  • D. Pacinian corpuscle

    Pacinian corpuscles detect vibration and deep pressure.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is A, Muscle spindle. Muscle spindles detect muscle length and rate of stretch through Ia afferents, exciting alpha motor neurons to the stretched muscle.

Why is "Golgi tendon organ" not the answer?

Golgi tendon organs sense tension at the musculotendinous junction.

Why is "Free nerve ending" not the answer?

Free nerve endings mainly detect pain and temperature.

Why is "Pacinian corpuscle" not the answer?

Pacinian corpuscles detect vibration and deep pressure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology: muscle spindle in Physiology. Golgi tendon organs respond to tension and mediate inhibitory reflexes.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurophysiology: muscle spindle?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.