How many muscle fibers typically attach to a single Golgi tendon organ (GTO)?

A Golgi tendon organ (GTO) is a sensory receptor located at the junction of muscles and tendons, and it plays a critical role in monitoring muscle tension. Typically, GTOs are associated with approximately 10 to 20 muscle fibers. The GTO is designed to respond to changes in muscle tension, providing feedback to the central nervous system to help regulate muscle contraction and protect against excessive forces that could lead to injury.

This connection is essential for proprioception, balance, and ensuring that the amount of force generated by the muscle remains within safe limits. The arrangement involving 10 to 20 muscle fibers allows the GTO to effectively monitor and relay information about muscle tension to help maintain homeostasis during various physical activities.