• PNF and Movement
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.57-66
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• 2007

This review discusses the development of muscle receptors, in particular, that of muscle sensory neurons and monosynaptic stretch reflex circuit. The development of muscle sensory neurons and monosynaptic stretch reflex requires a series of steps including expression of neurotrophic transcriptional factors and their receptor. The monosynaptic stretch reflex circuit is unique neuronal circuit system, and highly precise synaptic connection systems. Thus, coordination of sensory-motor function in muscle receptors depend on the expression of distinct classes of molecular cues, and on the formation of selective synaptic connections between sensory-motor neurons and their target muscle. Recent neurotrophic and transcription factor expression studies have expanded our knowledge on how muscle sensory neuron is formed, and how sensory-motor system is developed.