Autogenic inhibition reflex

Autogenic inhibition reflex is a sudden relaxation of muscle upon development of high tension. It is a self-induced, inhibitory, negative feedback lengthening reaction that protects against muscle tear. Golgi tendon organs are receptors for the reflex.

Autogenic inhibition (historically known as the inverse myotatic reflex or autogenetic inhibition) refers to a reduction in excitability of a contracting or stretched muscle, that in the past has been solely attributed to the increased inhibitory input arising from Golgi tendon organs (GTOs) within the same muscle. The reduced efferent (motor) drive to the muscle by way of autogenic inhibition is a factor believed to assist target muscle elongation.