What are Golgi Tendon Organs?

Golgi Tendon Organs (GTOs) are sensory neurons located at the ends of muscles, closely associated with tendons. They play a crucial role in sensing the amount of load or tension on a muscle. When you lift something heavy, these neurons activate and send electrical signals to the spinal cord. If the load is too much—a level that could potentially cause injury by tearing muscles, tendons, or damaging joints—the GTOs act as a safety mechanism. They send signals that inhibit motor neurons, effectively shutting down the muscle's ability to contract. This protective mechanism prevents muscle contraction when the detected load exceeds a safe threshold, thereby safeguarding the muscle and related structures from damage 1.