**Core Concept**
The Golgi tendon organ is a proprioceptive sensory receptor found in muscle tendons, involved in detecting changes in muscle tension. It plays a crucial role in regulating muscle spindle activity and modulating reflexes to maintain muscle tone and prevent excessive muscle contraction.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Golgi tendon organ responds to muscle tension by inhibiting the alpha motor neuron activity through the Golgi tendon reflex. This reflex helps to prevent muscle injury by reducing muscle contraction force when it exceeds a certain threshold. The Golgi tendon organ is innervated by type Ia afferent nerve fibers, which transmit signals to the spinal cord and ultimately to the brain.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as the Golgi tendon organ does not primarily detect changes in muscle length, which is the function of muscle spindle receptors.

**Option B:** This option is incorrect as the Golgi tendon organ does not directly regulate muscle contraction force, but rather modulates reflexes to prevent excessive contraction.

**Option C:** This option is incorrect as the Golgi tendon organ is not involved in detecting changes in joint position or movement, which is the function of proprioceptive receptors in joints.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The Golgi tendon reflex is an important mechanism for preventing muscle injury, particularly in situations where muscle contraction force is rapidly increasing, such as during weightlifting or other high-intensity activities.

**Correct Answer: C.**