Muscle Spindie Stretch Receptors Monitor the Effort Exerted by Respiratory Muscles

The density of muscle spindle stretch receptors varies greatly in different respiratory muscles, and the effects of stimulating these receptors can vary with the anatomical location of the muscle group. The diaphragm has few muscle receptors, but intercostal muscles are well supplied with tendon organs and muscle spindles. In a reflexive manner, muscle receptors control the strength of respiratory muscle contraction and adjust the strength of contraction when ventilation is impeded, such as by airway obstruction.