Body and Breath

Each month a new series questions will be posted on the Questions & Answers page along with the answers and explanations.

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Qustions & Answers, December, 2003, with page references for Anatomy of Hatha Yoga:

What is the specific end result that distinguishes the clasp knife reflex from the myotatic stretch reflex? (40)

Where generally are the sensory receptors for the clasp knife reflex located? (41)

What are the receptors for the clasp knife reflex and where specifically are they located? (41)

Upon what kind of neuron does the incoming sensory axon terminate? (41)

How does the clasp knife reflex resemble the operation of a thermostat? (41)

Is the operation of the clasp knife reflex more apparent in the winner or the loser of an arm wrestling match? (41)

How does the standing hamstrings-quadriceps thigh pull create relaxation of the hamstrings? (41)

How would you direct hatha yoga students to test the clasp knife reflex as it applies to the adductor muscles of the thighs? (41)

Draw a simple diagram of the clasp knife reflex showing a cross-section of the spinal cord, Golgi tendon organ, sensory neuron entering the spinal cord, inhibitory interneuron with its all-important minus sign, motor neuron, and the motor neuron’s axon terminating as a neuromuscular synapse on a muscle fiber. (42)