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Mechanoreceptors in articular tissues

Mechanoreceptors in articular tissues The morphology, distribution, and function of mechanoreceptors in joint capsules, ligaments, knee‐joint menisci, and articular disks of the temporomandibular joints of animals, including humans, have been reviewed. In addition to free nerve endings, three types of joint receptors are present in most animal joints: (1) a Ruffini‐like receptor situated in the capsule, (2) a Golgi tendon organ situated in a ligament; and (3) the encapsulated Pacinian‐like corpuscle. In the anterior cruciate ligament, nerve fibers enter from the subsynovial connective tissue and terminate in receptors. Most of the receptors are found in the distal portion of the ligament. In the meniscus, nerves penetrate the outer and middle one‐third of the body and the horns from the perimeniscal tissue, with a greater concentration at the horns. In the temporomandibular articular disk, the mechanoreceptor density is greatest at the periphery and progressively decreases toward the center. If a joint has an intra‐articular structure, mechanoreceptors undoubtedly are present within it. The concentration of mechanoreceptors appears greater in areas related to the extremes of movement and probably represents the first line of defense in sensing these extremes. These afferent discharges elicit support from discharging mechanoreceptors located in the joint capsule and subsequently from those in the surrounding muscles. This total afferent output alerts the central nervous system of impending injury, which can then be averted through reflex mechanisms. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png American Journal of Anatomy Wiley

Mechanoreceptors in articular tissues

Zimny, Marilyn L.
American Journal of Anatomy , Volume 182 (1) – May 1, 1988
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References (82)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
Copyright © 1988 Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company
ISSN
0002-9106
eISSN
1553-0795
DOI
10.1002/aja.1001820103
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The morphology, distribution, and function of mechanoreceptors in joint capsules, ligaments, knee‐joint menisci, and articular disks of the temporomandibular joints of animals, including humans, have been reviewed. In addition to free nerve endings, three types of joint receptors are present in most animal joints: (1) a Ruffini‐like receptor situated in the capsule, (2) a Golgi tendon organ situated in a ligament; and (3) the encapsulated Pacinian‐like corpuscle. In the anterior cruciate ligament, nerve fibers enter from the subsynovial connective tissue and terminate in receptors. Most of the receptors are found in the distal portion of the ligament. In the meniscus, nerves penetrate the outer and middle one‐third of the body and the horns from the perimeniscal tissue, with a greater concentration at the horns. In the temporomandibular articular disk, the mechanoreceptor density is greatest at the periphery and progressively decreases toward the center. If a joint has an intra‐articular structure, mechanoreceptors undoubtedly are present within it. The concentration of mechanoreceptors appears greater in areas related to the extremes of movement and probably represents the first line of defense in sensing these extremes. These afferent discharges elicit support from discharging mechanoreceptors located in the joint capsule and subsequently from those in the surrounding muscles. This total afferent output alerts the central nervous system of impending injury, which can then be averted through reflex mechanisms.

Journal

American Journal of Anatomy – Wiley

Published: May 1, 1988

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