On the Reflex Effects from the Knee Joint of the Cat

Abstract

Abstract The reflex effects on extensors and flexors of the knee joint have been studied in response to various stimulations of the knee joint capsule and the medial collateral ligament. The joint receptors were activated by increasing the intra‐articular pressure or by pinching the anterior aspect of the knee joint capsule. This stimulation caused an inhibition of the knee extensors and a facilitation of the knee flexors in both the decerebrated and decerebrated and spinalized preparation. Activation of the receptors in the medial collateral ligament was likewise found to produce a flexor facilitation in the decerebrated and spinalized animal, effects that sometimes could be produced even in the decerebrated animal.