REFLEX

Question 1

• a muscle stretch reflex (These are commonly tested in a physician’s office.)
• mediated in the spinal cord

Answer 1

deep tendon reflex (DTR)

Question 2

• a withdrawal response
• a protective reflex
• mediated in the spinal cord

Answer 2

spinal reflex

Question 3

what are the deep tendon reflexes?

Answer 3

patellar reflex

achilles reflex

Question 4

name this deep tendon reflex?

• at the anterior knee/patellar ligament; with the knee flexed and relaxed, tap the tendon and normally will get a small extension response
• tests spinal segments L-2, L-3 & L-4, the knee extensor myotome

Answer 4

Patellar Reflex

Question 5

name this deep tendon reflex?

• at the posterior ankle/Achilles tendon; with the ankle slightly dorsiflexed, tap the tendon and normally will feel the contraction of the calf muscles
• tests spinal segments S-1 & S-2; the ankle plantar flexor myotome

Answer 5

Achilles Reflex

Question 6

what is the spinal reflex test?

Answer 6

babinski test

Question 7

name this spinal reflex test?

• stroke the sole of the foot from central plantar heel in an arc to the base of the fifth metatarsal with a firm blunt object (ex. pen cap, finger nail tip)
• normally will see plantar flexion of the toes; expected reaction
• dorsiflexion of the hallux with abduction of the lesser digits (flaring of toes) is abnormal after 2 years of age

Answer 7

Babinski Test