The Stretch Reflex - Hammer Time

Question 1

Name the 2 other names for the stretch reflex?

Answer 1

DEEP TENDON REFLEX (DTR)
+
MYOTATIC REFLEX

Question 2

The stretch reflex is described as an involuntary muscular ____________ in response to a _______ stretch.

Answer 2

CONTRACTION
+
FAST

Question 3

What do you tap with a reflex hammer to cause a brief, fast stretch of the muscle and its muscle spindle?

Answer 3

TENDON

Question 4

Tapping a reflex hammer results in APs travelling along the ____________/ LMN reflex arc causing the muscle to contract.

Answer 4

1A NEURON

Question 5

Where on the patient’s body would you gently but firmly tap to clinically test the patellar reflex?

Answer 5

INFRA PATELLAR TENDON

aka PATELLAR LIGAMENT

Question 6

How would you position the foot to clinically test the achilles reflex?

Answer 6

RELAX FEET
+
GENTLY DORSIFLEX TOES
(to increase tension on gastrocnemius)

Question 7

Where on the patient’s body would you lightly tap to clinically test the achilles reflex?

Answer 7

ACHILLES TENDON

Question 8

How would you position your patient to test the triceps reflex?

Answer 8

SEATED

Question 9

Where on the patient’s body would you gently tap to clinically test the triceps reflex?

Answer 9

TRICEPS BRACHII TENDON