When performing golgi tendon organ release on the Achilles tendon, which muscle is expected to decrease in tone?

The Golgi tendon organ (GTO) is a sensory receptor located within the tendons, specifically at the junction between muscle and tendon. Its primary function is to monitor tension within the muscle-tendon unit. When excessive tension is detected, the GTO sends signals to the central nervous system, resulting in a reflexive inhibition of the muscle to prevent damage from potential overstretching or overcontraction.

In the context of the Achilles tendon, the gastrocnemius muscle, which is one of the primary muscles that contribute to the plantar flexion of the foot through its connection via the Achilles tendon, is the one that would experience a decrease in tone when the GTO is stimulated. This response occurs because the GTO's activation leads to a reflex mechanism that causes relaxation or decreased tone in the muscle attached to the tendon under distress.

The other muscles listed, such as the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and flexor hallucis longus, do not have their primary function directly linked to the tension sensed by the Golgi tendon organ of the Achilles tendon. Instead, these muscles serve different functions in the foot and ankle mechanics and would not appropriately decrease in tone in response to the GTO release at the Achilles tendon. Thus