ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Golgi tendon organs are specialized sensory receptors primarily located in tendons. Their main function is to monitor tension within the muscles and tendons, providing feedback to the central nervous system regarding the force being produced by muscle contractions. This information is critical for maintaining muscle tension and preventing excessive force that could lead to injury. By sensing changes in tension, Golgi tendon organs play a protective role, initiating reflexive responses that can inhibit muscle activity if the force becomes too great, thereby preventing potential damage to the muscle-tendon complex.

The other options represent locations where different types of proprioceptors or mechanoreceptors may be found, but Golgi tendon organs specifically reside in tendons, making this the correct answer.