HMS, BM EQ-Bank 90 MC

A netball player lands awkwardly and their ankle begins to roll inward. Which immediate response helps protect the ankle from injury?

Stretch reflex in the muscles around the ankle
Conscious decision to stop moving
Relaxation of the muscles around the ankle
Parasympathetic nervous system response

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\(A\)

Show Worked Solution

A is correct: The sudden stretch of the muscles on the outside of the ankle triggers a stretch reflex through the spinal cord. These muscles contract to resist the roll before conscious thought occurs.

Other options:

B is incorrect: A conscious decision is processed in the brain and is too slow to prevent injury.
C is incorrect: The muscles contract, rather than relax, to stabilise the joint.
D is incorrect: The parasympathetic system controls rest-and-digest functions, not rapid protective muscle responses.