It should be noted that the neurotendi-nous receptors called Golgi tendon organs respond to tendon stretch and muscle contraction. When these receptors are stimulated, an inhibitory reflex occurs that limits contraction and thus protects the muscle from disruption or detachment. The reflex mechanism involved in this activity is called the nociceptive reflex and is a polysynaptic relay that involves concurrently the contraction of flexor muscles and the inhibition of extensor muscles, resulting in withdrawal of the part stimulated.