Question:

Joint position sense and vibration sense are carried by which type of nerve fibre?

Show Hint

Proprioception and vibration use the largest, fastest myelinated somatic afferents.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • A alpha
  • A beta
  • A gamma
  • B
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Sensory information is carried by nerve fibres classified by diameter and conduction velocity. Proprioception (joint position sense) and vibration sense travel via the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway and use large, heavily myelinated, fast-conducting fibres.

Step 2: These large fibres are the A alpha group (also called group Ia and Ib in the muscle-spindle and Golgi-tendon afferent classification). Their large diameter gives the fastest conduction, suiting the rapid, precise signalling required for proprioception and vibration.

Step 3: The distractors carry other modalities: A beta fibres carry touch and pressure, A gamma fibres are motor to intrafusal muscle fibres, and B fibres are preganglionic autonomic. Hence joint position and vibration sense are carried by A alpha fibres.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0