Patellar reflex
Patellar Reflex
The Patellar Reflex (pronounced: puh-tell-er ree-flex), also known as the knee-jerk reflex, is a simple neurological reflex used to assess the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. It is a type of tendon reflex which tests the function of the L2, L3, and L4 segments of the spinal cord.
Etymology
The term "Patellar" is derived from the Latin word "patella", meaning "small dish", referring to the kneecap. "Reflex" comes from the Latin "reflexus", meaning "bend back, turn back".
Procedure
The Patellar Reflex is elicited by a swift tap on the patellar tendon using a reflex hammer. This causes the quadriceps femoris muscle to contract and the leg to extend. The absence, reduction, or exaggeration of this reflex can indicate potential neurological issues.
Related Terms
- Monosynaptic reflex: A reflex pathway having only one synapse in the central nervous system.
- Deep tendon reflex: Reflexes that are elicited by hitting the tendon directly with a reflex hammer.
- Jendrassik maneuver: A medical maneuver wherein the patient clenches the teeth, flexes both sets of fingers into a hook-like form, and interlocks those sets of fingers together.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Patellar reflex
- Wikipedia's article - Patellar reflex
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