Reflexes Flashcards
(20 cards)
Superficial Reflexes
Corneal
Abdominal
Cremasteric
Plantar
Anal
Bulbocavernosus
Corneal
stimulus: Light touch to cornea
normal response: Blink reflex
n. root/pathway: Afferent: CN V1 (Trigeminal)
Efferent: CN VII (Facial)
clinical note: Tests brainstem integrity
Abdominal
stimulus: Light stroke lateral to medial on abdomen (T7–T12)
normal response: Abdominal muscle contraction
n. root/pathway: T7–T12
clinical note: Asymmetry suggests UMN lesion on absent side
Cremasteric
stimulus: Stroke inner thigh (males)
normal response: Elevation of testis on same side
n. root/pathway: L1–L2 (Genitofemoral nerve)
clinical note: Absent in SCI and UMN lesions
Plantar (Babinski)
stimulus: Stroke lateral sole from heel to ball of foot
normal response: Plantarflexion of toes = Normal
Dorsiflexion of great toe with fanning = Babinski (abnormal)
n. root/pathway: S1–S2 (Tibial nerve)
clinical note: Babinski = UMN lesion
Anal
stimulus: Stroke skin around anus
normal response: Contraction of anal sphincter
n. root/pathway: Afferent: Pudendal nerve
Efferent: S2–S4
clinical note: Tests sacral reflex arc
Bulbocavernosus
stimulus: Squeeze glans penis or tug Foley
normal response: Anal sphincter contraction
n. root/pathway: S2–S4
clinical note: First to return after spinal shock ends
Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)
Biceps
Brachioradialis
Triceps
Patellar (knee jerk)
Hamstrings
Achilles (ankle jerk)
Biceps
Muscles: Biceps brachii
Spinal nerve root: C5–C6
Brachioradialis
Muscles: Brachioradialis
Spinal nerve root: C5–C6
Triceps
Muscles: Triceps brachii
Spinal nerve root: C7–C8
Patellar (knee jerk)
Muscles: Quadriceps femoris
Spinal nerve root: L2–L4
Hamstrings
Muscles: Hamstrings
Spinal nerve root: L5–S2
Achilles (ankle jerk)
Muscles: Gastrocnemius/soleus
Spinal nerve root: S1–S2
DTR Grading Scale
0
1+
2+
3+
4+
0
No response (always abnormal)
1+
Diminished/sluggish (low normal)
2+
Normal
3+
Brisk, possibly abnormal
4+
Very brisk, hyperactive with clonus (abnormal)
