Secondary sensory endings

Secondary Sensory Endings are a type of sensory receptor found in muscle spindles. They are also known as flower-spray endings due to their distinctive structure. These sensory endings are responsible for detecting changes in muscle length and speed, contributing to our sense of proprioception, the body's ability to sense its position, motion, and equilibrium.

Structure

Secondary sensory endings are located on the intrafusal fibers of muscle spindles, specifically on the chain and bag fibers. They are characterized by their distinctive flower-spray appearance, with multiple branches wrapping around the intrafusal fibers.

Function

Secondary sensory endings are primarily responsible for detecting changes in muscle length. They are less sensitive to the rate of change in muscle length compared to primary sensory endings. This allows them to provide a steady stream of information about the muscle's state, contributing to the body's sense of proprioception.

Clinical Significance

Damage or dysfunction of secondary sensory endings can lead to a variety of neurological disorders, including ataxia, a lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements, and hypotonia, a state of low muscle tone.

See Also

• Muscle spindle
• Primary sensory endings
• Proprioception
• Ataxia
• Hypotonia