Articular receptors

Articular receptors are mechanoreceptors that are located in the articular capsule, joint cartilage, ligamentous apparatus and pericapsular connective tissue. They play an important role in proprioceptive sensations and help maintain the correct position of the body in space.

Joint receptors respond to mechanical changes that occur in the joint, such as sprains, changes in joint shape, or changes in capsule pressure. They can also respond to changes in temperature and environmental chemistry.

Receptors of joint capsules and cartilage are the most common types of joint receptors and are involved in proprioception - the body's ability to sense its position in space and control movement. They are located on the surface of the joint capsule and cartilage and can be activated by joint movement.

The ligamentous apparatus of the joints also contains receptors that respond to stretching and tension of the ligaments. These receptors help regulate the strength and direction of movement and prevent joint injury.

Pericapsular connective tissue may also contain joint receptors that provide additional information about joint position and condition.

In general, joint receptors play an important role in maintaining proper body posture and preventing joint injuries. They respond to changes in body position by providing feedback to the brain, which allows us to control movement and maintain balance.

Articular receptors: what they are needed for and how they function

Joint receptors are a special group of mechanoreceptors located in joints and ligaments. Their main function is proprioception, that is, the sense of the body’s position in space and coordination of movements. Thanks to these receptors, we feel what position our joint is in and can make the correct movements.

Description Receptors of this group are mechanosensitive cells that respond to mechanical stimulation. They are found in different structures of the joint - in the joint capsule, cartilage and ligamentous tissue. When a joint moves, the ligaments and tissues are stretched, which leads to a change in their shape and internal pressure. This causes changes in the pressure and molecular composition of the substances surrounding the neuron and basement membrane. All this gives a signal to the brain for further processing of information.

The receptor apparatus of the joint can be divided into five types (according to the type of sensory fibers included in its composition): the first type is Meissner's corpuscles, the second is Vater-Pacini, the third is muscular-articular corpuscles, the fourth is Gaulier joints, and the fifth is tendon organs. Taurus All of them are sensitive to stretching of the joint capsule and respond to changes in its linear dimensions. This mechanism underlies proprioceptive functions - determining the exact position of the musculoskeletal system relative to other parts