Question

multiple choice question

what is a tendon organ?

• a tangle of nerve endings entwined in collagen fibers of tendon
• an encapsulated structure containing intrafusal fibers
• a series of neurons wrapped around a tendon

Explanation:

Define a tendon organ

Using the Golgi Tendon Organ knowledge point
A tendon organ (also known as a Golgi tendon organ) is a proprioceptive sensory receptor located at the junction of a muscle and its tendon. Structurally, it consists of a thin capsule of connective tissue enclosing a tangle of sensory nerve endings (specifically, Ib afferent fibers) entwined among the collagen fibers of the tendon. When the muscle contracts and pulls on the tendon, it compresses these nerve endings, initiating nerve impulses that signal the degree of muscle tension to the central nervous system.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1: "A tangle of nerve endings entwined in collagen fibers of tendon"

This accurately describes the histological structure of a tendon organ.

• Option 2: "An encapsulated structure containing intrafusal fibers"

This describes a muscle spindle, not a tendon organ.

• Option 3: "A series of neurons wrapped around a tendon"

This is anatomically incorrect and does not describe the localized, encapsulated nature of the receptor.

Answer:

• A tangle of nerve endings entwined in collagen fibers of tendon (Correct answer)
• An encapsulated structure containing intrafusal fibers
• A series of neurons wrapped around a tendon