Reflexes (U3)

Question 1

Reflex definition?

Answer 1

Basic defence mechanisms of the nervous system

Question 2

Characteristics of a reflex?

Answer 2

Involuntary response to a stimulus
- Begins with sensory input
- Ends with motor response
- Unconscious
- Quick reaction to pain/damage
- Maintain balance
- Appropriate muscle tone

Question 3

Reflex arc definition?

Answer 3

Pathway where reflex occurs

Question 4

Two categories of reflexes?

Answer 4

Visceral (autonomic)
and somatic (skeletal)

Question 5

Example of a visceral reflex?

Answer 5

• Ex. automatic production of saliva upon seeing/smelling food

Question 6

Example of a somatic reflex?

Answer 6

• Ex. movement of a body part in the presence of pain

Question 7

Four types of reflexes?

Answer 7

Deep tendon, superficial, visceral, pathological

Question 8

What is a deep tendon reflex?

Answer 8

Patellar, knee jerk

Question 9

What is a superficial reflex?

Answer 9

Abdominal

Question 10

What is a visceral reflex?

Answer 10

Pupillary reflex to light and accomodation

Question 11

What is a pathological reflex?

Answer 11

Babinski, extensor plantar reflex

Question 12

What is a deep tendon response?

Answer 12

Each deep tendon reflex involving specific spinal segments, abnormal reflex helps locate pathologic lesion

Question 13

Five reflex tests?

Answer 13

Bicep, tricep, brachioradialis, patellar, achilles

Question 14

Bicep reflex test?

Answer 14

Support arm in yours with thumb over bicep, hold right arm with right hand and vice versa
- Normal: Biceps contract, lower arm move inward

Question 15

Tricep reflex test?

Answer 15

Pull arm from patient’s body, forms right angle at shoulder with lower arm dangling right below elbow
- Normal: Lower arm extends at the elbow, swings away from body

Question 16

Brachioradalis reflex test?

Answer 16

Strike area with reflex hamming anywhere in the vicinity
- Normal: Lower arm flex at elbow and pal of hand turns up (supinate)

Question 17

Patellar reflex test?

Answer 17

Patient seated with feet dangling over edge of table
- Normal: Lower leg extends at knee

Question 18

Achilles reflex test?

Answer 18

Foot forms right angle on lower leg and support it, strike tendon with hammer (see calf for muscle contraction)
- Normal: Causes foot to plantar reflex, moving into supporting hand

Question 19

Four point scale for grading reflexes?

Answer 19

4+ very brisk, hyperactive with clonus
3+ brisker than average
2+ average, normal
1+ diminished, low normal
0 no response