Question

Describe the concept of reciprocal inhibition and how tight muscles affect motor function.

Answer 1

When a stretch reflex excites one muscle, it often simultaneously inhibits the antagonist muscle. This phenomenon is called reciprocal inhibition.

Example - Excitation of flexors of the forearm causes the inhibition of extensor of forearm and vice versa.

In case of the lessions of Upper Motor Neuron, muscle spasticity occurs. It is the condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted. This causes tightness of the muscle and thus restrict the motor functions.

Spasticity causes disuse atrophy of muscles in long terms​​​​​​