Reflexes Flashcards
What is a reflex?
Built into the nervous system and does not need the intervention of conscious thought to take effect.
Describe a reflex arc.
- Stimulus detected (e.g.: heat)
- Sensory receptor
- Sensory neurone (Peripheral nerve, Afferent neurone)
- Relay neurone (in spinal cord)
- Motor neurone
- Movement (e.g.: muscle contraction)
What are deep tendon reflexes also known as?
Myotatic or musclestretch reflexes
What do deep tendon reflexes provide info on?
The integrity of thecentral nervous systemandperipheral nervous system
Which nerve route does the biceps reflex provide info on?
- C5
- C6
Which nerve route does the brachioradialis reflex provide info on?
- C5
- C6
- C7
Which nerve route does the triceps reflex provide info on?
- C6
- C7
- C8
Which nerve route does the patellar reflex provide info on?
- C6
- C7
- C8
Which nerve route does the ankle jerk reflex provide info on?
- S1
- S2
How is the Corneal Reflex tested?
Touch cornea with piece of cotton
What is the response of the Corneal Reflex?
Blinking both eyes
How is the Conjunctival Reflex tested?
Touch conjunctiva with piece of cotton
What is the response of the Pharyngeal Reflex?
- Contraction of pharynx
- Elevation of pharyngeal wall
How is the Pharyngeal Reflex tested?
Touch posterior pharyngeal wall with cotton bud
How is the Abdominal Reflex tested?
Stroke Abdomen inwards in all quadrants
What is the response of the Scapular reflex?
Contraction of the scapular muscles
What is the response of the Abdominal reflex?
Contraction of abdominals
How is the Scapular reflex tested?
Stroke interscapular area skin
What is the response of the Cremasteric reflex?
Lifting up of the testis and scrotum on same side
How is the Cremasteric reflex tested?
Upper part of thigh stroked downward and inward
What is the response of the Bulbocavernous reflex?
Contraction of the bulbocavernous muscle
How is the Bulbocavernous reflex tested?
Squeezing the tip of glans penis
How is the Anal reflex tested?
Gently scratch the perianal skin
What is the response of the Anal reflex?
Contraction of external sphincter
What is the response of the Plantar reflex?
Toes flex downwards
How is the Plantar reflex tested?
Gently scratch from the hell to ball of the great toe
Which cranial nerve is involved in the sensory pupillary light reflect?
2nd
Which cranial nerve is involved in the motor pupillary light reflect?
3rd
Which cranial nerve is involved in the sensory accommodation reflex?
2nd
Which cranial nerve is involved in the motor accommodation reflex?
3rd
Which cranial nerve is involved in the sensory jaw jerk reflex?
5th
Which cranial nerve is involved in the motor jaw jerk reflex?
5th
Which cranial nerve is involved in the sensory corneal reflex (blink)?
5th
Which cranial nerve is involved in the motor corneal reflex (blink)?
5th
Which cranial nerve is involved in the sensory glabellar reflex?
5th
Which cranial nerve is involved in the motor glabellar reflex?
7th
Which cranial nerve is involved in the sensory vestibulo-ocular reflex?
8th
Which cranial nerves are involved in the motor vestibulo-ocular reflex?
- 3rd
- 4th
- 6th
- 7th
- 8th
- 9th
- 10th
- 11th
- 12th
Which cranial nerve is involved in the sensory gag reflex?
9th
Which cranial nerve is involved in the motor gag reflex?
10th
What do primitive reflexes enable infants to do?
To respond to the environment before any learning has taken place
What are some examples of primitive reflexes?
- Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
- Palmomental reflex
- Moro reflex (also known as the startle reflex)
- Palmar grasp reflex
- Rooting reflex
- Sucking reflex
- Symmetrical tonic neck reflex
- Tonic labyrinthine reflex
Why do we test reflexes in neuro?
To help differentiate between lesions of the CNS and Peripheral.
(Therefore they help us to see if there is an UMN lesion or LMN lesion.)
