Noun: stretch reflex
- Reflex contraction of a muscle when an attached tendon is pulled; important in maintaining erect posture
"The stretch reflex helps prevent falls by automatically adjusting muscle tension";
- myotactic reflex
Derived forms: stretch reflexes
Type of: inborn reflex, innate reflex, instinctive reflex, physiological reaction, reflex, reflex action, reflex response, unconditioned reflex
Encyclopedia: Stretch reflex