Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The fine structure of the Golgi tendon organ

  • Published:
Journal of Neurocytology

Summary

The Golgi tendon organ (GTO) has a capsule composed of cells confluent with the perineural epithelial sheath surrounding the Ib afferent nerve. Fluids of the capsule lumen are isolated from extra-capsular fluids by the capsule wall; its tight-fitting collars form seals through which collagen bundles enter and leave the proximal and distal ends of the fusiform capsule. The capsule lumen between the sealed capsule openings, is divided into longitudinal compartments by delicate processes of septal cells. Collagen bundles spiral down through the longitudinal axis of the GTO. As they descend through the lumen, the bundles are distinctly separated from each other by fluid-filled spaces. These collagen bundles divide, twist, and regroup over short longtiudinal distances and unmyelinated axons interwine among them. Compartments which are densely filled with collagen are not innervated. Axon profiles appear in four forms: (I) myelinated branches of Ib axon, (II) unmyelinated axons surrounded by Schwann cell processes and basal lamina, (III) axons covered only by basal lamina, and (IV) axons with bare surfaces. We postulate that increased tensile forces on the collagen bundles caused by muscle contraction tighten the braided collagen bundles thereby squeezing and distorting the axon terminals. The proposed mechanical events are consistent with known discharge characteristics of Ib axons.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alnaes, E. (1967) Static and dynamic properties of Golgi tendon organs in the anterior tibial and soleus muscles of the cat.Acta Physiologica Scandinavica 70, 176–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Babel, J., Bischoff, A. andSpoendlin, H. (1970)Ultrastructure of the Peripheral Nervous System and Sense Organs (edited byBischoff, A.). St. Louis, Missouri: C. V. Mosby Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barker, D. (1962) The structure and distribution of muscle receptors. InSymposium on Muscle Receptors (edited byBarker, D.), pp. 227–40. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bridgman, C. F. andEldred, E. (1965) Intramuscular pressure changes during contraction in relation to muscle spindles.American Journal of Physiology 209, 891–99.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bridgman, C. F. (1968) The structure of tendon organs in the cat: a proposed mechanism for responding to muscle tension.Anatomical Record 162, 209–20.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cattaneo, A. (1888) Sugli organi nervosi terminali muscolo-tendinei in condizioni normal e sul loro modo di comportarsi in sequito al taglio delle radici nervose e dei nervi spinali.Memorie della R. Accademia delle Scienze di Torino 38, 237–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ciaccio, G. V. (1891) Sur les plaques nerveuses finales dans les tendons des vertebres.Archives Italiennes de Biologie 14, 31–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fahrenbach, W. H., Sandberg, L. B. andCleary, E. G. (1966) Ultrastructural studies on early elastogenesis.Anatomical Record 155, 563–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Farquhar, M. G., andPalade, G. E. (1963) Junctional complexes in various epithelia.Journal of Cell Biology 17, 375–412.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greenlee, T. K., Jun, Ross, R. andHartman, J. L. (1966) The fine structure of elastic fibres.Journal of Cell Biology 166, 59–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golgi, C. (1880a) Sui nervi nei tendini dell'uomo e di altri vertebrati e di un nuovo organo nervoso terminale musculo-tendineo.Memorie della R. Accademia delle Scienze di Torino;Serie II 38.

  • Golgi, C. (1880b) Sui nervi dei tendini dell'uomo e di altri vertebrati e di un nuovo organo nervoso terminale musculo-tendineo.Opera Omnia. Ulrico Hoepli, Milano, 1870–83. Second Edition. (1903)1, 171–198.

    Google Scholar 

  • Granit, R. (1970)The Basis of Motor Control. London and New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hagbarth, K. E. andWohlfart, G. (1952) The number of muscle-spindles in certain muscles in the cat in relation to the composition of the muscle nerves.Acta Anatomica 15, 85–104.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haller., F. R. andLow, F. N. (1971) The fine structure of the peripheral nerve root sheath in the subarachnoid space in the rat and other laboratory animals.American Journal of Anatomy 131, 1–20.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harkness, R. D. (1968) Mechanical properties of collagenous tissues. InTreatise on Collagen, Vol. 2. (edited byGould, B. S.), pp. 248–310. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinsey, J. C. (1927) Some observations on the innervation of skeletal muscle of the cat.Journal of Comparative Neurology 44, 87–195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinsey, J. C. (1934) The innervation of skeletal muscle.Physiological Reviews 14, 514–85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Houk, J.. andHenneman, E. (1967) Responses of Golgi tendon organs to active contractions of the soleus muscle of the cat.Journal of Neurophysiology 30, 466–81.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Houk, J. andSimon, W. (1967) Responses of tendon organs to forces applied to muscle tendon.Journal of Neurophysiology 30, 1466–1481.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Huber, G. C. andDewitt, L. M. A. (1900) A contribution on the nerve terminations in neurotendinous end organs.Journal of Comparative Neurology 10, 159–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jansen, J. K. S. andRudjord, T. (1964) On the silent period and Golgi tendon organs of the soleus muscle of the cat.Acta Physiologica Scandinavica 62, 364–79.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kerschner, L. (1888) Beitrag zur Kenntnis der sensiblen Endorgane.Anatomischer Anzeiger 3, 288–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolliker, A. (1889) Sensible und Gefassnerven der Muskeln und Sehnen. InHandbuch der Gewebelehre des Menschen, pp. 387–400. Leipzig: W. Englemann.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lieberman, A. R. (1968) The connective tissue elements of the mammalian Nodose ganglion.Zeitschrift für Zellforschung und mikroskopische Anatomie 89, 95–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Low, F. N. (1962) Microfibrils: fine filamentous components of the tissue space.Anatomical Record 142, 131–38.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maser, M. D., Powell, T. E. III, andPhilpott, C. W. (1967) Relationships among pH, osmolality, and concentration of fixative solutions.Stain Technology 42, 175–82.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Merrillees, N. C. R. (1960) The fine structure of muscle spindles in the lumbrical muscles of the rat.Journal of Biophysical and Biochemical Cytology 7, 725–40.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Merrillees, N. C. R. (1962) Some observations on the fine structure of a Golgi tendon organ of a rat. InSymposium on Muscle Receptors (edited byBarker, D.), pp. 199–206. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nathanial, E. J. H. andPease, D. (1963) Collagen and basement membrane formation by Schwann cells during nerve regeneration.Journal of Ultrastructure Research 9, 550–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Palay, S. L., Mcgee-Russell, S. M., Gordon, S., Jun andGrillo, M. A. (1962) Fixation of neural tissues for EM by perfusion with solutions of osmium tetroxide.Journal of Cell Biology 12, 385–410.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pansini, S. (1889) Des terminaisons des nerfs sur les tendons des vertebres.Archives Italiennes de Biologie II, 225–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pease, D. C. andQuilliam, T. A. (1957) Electronmicroscopy of the Pacinian corpuscle.Journal of Biophysical and Biochemical Cytology 3, 331–42.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ross, R. (1968) The connective tissue fibre forming cell. InTreatise on Collagen, Vol. 2. (edited byGould, B. S.), pp. 1–82. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruffini, A. (1897) Observations on sensory nerve endings in voluntary muscles.Brain 20, 368–374.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoultz, T. W. andSwett, J. E. (1971) Fine structure of Golgi tendon organs in the cat.Physiologist 14, 226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoultz, T. W. andSwett, J. E. (1972) The fine structure of sensory endings in Golgi tendon organs of the cat. In preparation.

  • Shantha, T. R. andBourne, G. H. (1968) The perineural epithelium-a new concept. InThe Structure and Function of Nervous Tissue, Volume I (edited byBourne, G. H.), pp. 379–459. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steer, J. C. andHorney, F. D. (1968) Evidence for passage of cerebrospinal fluid among spinal nerves.Canadian Medical Association Journal 98, 71–74.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stuart, D. G., Goslow, G. E., Mosher, C. G. andReinking, R. M. (1970) Stretch responsiveness of Golgi tendon organs.Experimental Brain Research 10, 463–476.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swett, J. E. (1960)Some Aspects of Neuromuscular Organization. Dissertation, University of California at Los Angeles.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swett, J. E. andEldred, E. (1960) Distribution and numbers of stretch receptors in medial gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the cat.Anatomical Record 137, 453–460.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, P. K. (1963) The connective tissue of peripheral nerve: an electron microscopic study.Journal of Anatomy (London) 97, 35–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tiegs, O. W. (1953) Innervation of voluntary muscle.Physiological Reviews 33, 90–144.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wohlfart, G. andHenriksson, K. G. (1960) Observations on the distribution, number, and innervation of Golgi musculo-tendinous organs.Acta Anatomica 41, 192–204.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. Ture W. Schoultz

    Present address: Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Public Health Research Institute of the City of New York, Inc, 455 First Avenue, 10016, New York, N.Y.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, University of Colorado Medical School, 4200 East Ninth Avenue, 80220, Denver, Colorado

    Ture W. Schoultz & John E. Swett

Authors
  1. Ture W. Schoultz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. John E. Swett
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schoultz, T.W., Swett, J.E. The fine structure of the Golgi tendon organ. J Neurocytol 1, 1–25 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01098642

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01098642

Keywords

Search

Navigation