What is the primary function of muscle spindles?

Muscle spindles primarily function to sense changes in muscle length. They are specialized sensory receptors located within the belly of muscles and are sensitive to the stretch of the muscle fibers. When a muscle is stretched, the muscle spindles detect this change in length and send signals to the central nervous system. This information helps regulate muscle contraction and maintain muscle tone, contributing to proprioception, which is the body's ability to perceive its position and movement in space.

Understanding the role of muscle spindles is crucial in the context of corrective exercise, as they play a vital role in reflexes that help protect muscles and joints from excessive stretching or damage. The information they provide is essential for the body to make rapid adjustments during movements, ensuring stability and coordination.