Symmetrical Labyrinthine Reflex

Symmetrical tonic neck and symmetrical labyrinthine reflexes are hard to distinguish from each other since the head and neck move together. The neck receptors work together with the righting reflex to produce movements of the extremities to help restore balance. The neck reflexes are more effective in modifying upper extremity action, and the labyrinthine in modifying those of the lower extremities. The symmetrical tonic neck reflex is the simultaneous flexion of the head/neck and upper extremities or simultaneous extension of the head/neck and upper extremities. The symmetrical labyrinthine reflex is the simultaneous flexion of the head/neck and lower extremities or simultaneous extension of head/neck and lower extremities. The righting reflex allows the head to be brought to an upright position in respect to gravity. These three reflexes are heavily integrated with each other once the individual has reached maturation. (include
GTO detects muscle tension and active contraction through tension in the tendon which aids in regulation of a smooth contraction, from start to finish. When the GT is stretched, it sends a signal to the CNS and causes muscles to relax rather than contract further. As the muscle shortens during contraction, the tension increases in the tendon, activating GTO and facilitating antagonistic muscles. The GTO provides instantaneous information about the degree of tension on each segment of the muscle. This makes the reflex a protective mechanism-- when the tension is extreme, its inhibitory effect can be great enough to produce total muscle relation. The behavior of the tendon reflex in the performance of some skills may be troubling for beginners with “follow-through” since the tendon causes relaxation of the vigorously contracting muscle. Beginners may need to voluntarily counteract the inhibitory effect and gradually increase GTO threshold with