What role does neural tissue play in flexibility?

Neural tissue significantly influences flexibility, and it can indeed limit flexibility through morphological changes. The nervous system regulates the lengthening and shortening of muscles, which contributes to the overall capability for flexibility. Specifically, neural adaptations can occur with muscle and connective tissue that affect how comfortably and how far a muscle can stretch. Alterations in the structure of the nervous system, such as changes in the sensory neurons that monitor tension and stretch, can impact the amount of range of motion a person can achieve.

Tightening of neural pathways or changes in the way sensory signals are transmitted can lead to decreased flexibility, as the nervous system may restrict the movement of muscles to protect against injury, creating a more conservative approach towards movement. This aspect underlines the importance of neural components in flexibility, as they are critical in regulating and protecting the range of motion within joints and muscle groups.