Extensor digitorum reflex
Extensor Digitorum Reflex
The Extensor Digitorum Reflex (pronounced: eks-ten-sor dij-i-tor-um ree-fleks) is a specific type of reflex that is used in neurological examination to assess the integrity of the radial nerve and C7 and C8 nerve roots.
Etymology
The term "Extensor Digitorum Reflex" is derived from Latin. "Extensor" refers to any muscle that straightens a limb or other part of the body. "Digitorum" is the plural form of "digitus" which means finger. "Reflex" is derived from the Latin "reflexus", meaning "bent back".
Procedure
The Extensor Digitorum Reflex is elicited by striking the extensor digitorum muscle belly or tendon with a reflex hammer. The expected response is extension of the fingers.
Clinical Significance
An absent or diminished Extensor Digitorum Reflex may indicate a lesion or damage to the radial nerve or C7 and C8 nerve roots. This could be due to various conditions such as radial nerve palsy, cervical radiculopathy, or brachial plexus injury.
Related Terms
- Reflex: An automatic and often inborn response to a stimulus that involves a nerve impulse passing inward from a receptor to the spinal cord and then outward to an effector (such as a muscle or gland) without reaching the level of consciousness and often without passing to the brain.
- Radial nerve: One of the major nerves in the human body that supplies the upper limb.
- C7 and C8: The seventh and eighth cervical spinal nerves in the human body.
- Extensor digitorum: A muscle of the posterior forearm present in humans and other animals, which helps in the extension of the fingers.
- Reflex hammer: A medical instrument used by practitioners to test deep tendon reflexes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Extensor digitorum reflex
- Wikipedia's article - Extensor digitorum reflex
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