REFLEXES
DEFINITIO
A reflex may be defined as an immediate and involuntaryN
response to a
stimulus.
This reflex is usually mediated via a neural pathway synapsing the spinal cord
The afferent neuron whose cell body lies in a dorsal root ganglion
innervates the muscle or Golgi tendon organ associated with the
muscles
-It usually indicates a disease that involves one or more of the components of the two-
neuron reflex arc itself.
Hyperreflexia
Normal: brisk contraction of the biceps muscle with flexion of the forearm at the elbow, followed by prompt
relaxation
Abnormal:
- Increased jerk occurs d/t UMN lesion
- Decreased/ absent occurs with a breach in
any part o the reflex motor arc
Muscle: myopathy
Motor nerve: neuropathy
Anterior spinal cord root: spondylosis
Anterior horn cell: poliomyelitis
THE TRICEPS REFLEX (C7, C8)
1. Place two finger over the lower end of the radius just above the wrist
2. Tap your fingers with tendon hammer