Palmomental reflex

Palmomental Reflex

The Palmomental reflex (pronounced: pahl-moh-men-tal ree-flex) is a primitive reflex found in humans, originating from the neurological system.

Etymology

The term "Palmomental reflex" is derived from the words 'palm', 'mental' (pertaining to the chin), and 'reflex'. The term refers to the reflexive twitch of the mentalis muscle that is elicited by stroking a specific area of the palm.

Definition

The Palmomental reflex is a superficial reflex that is characterized by a brief contraction of the mentalis muscle, which is located in the chin, in response to stroking or scratching a specific area of the palm. This reflex is typically absent in healthy adults, but may be present in certain neurological conditions.

Clinical Significance

The presence of the Palmomental reflex in adults is often considered a sign of neurological disease or damage, particularly in the frontal lobe. It is often seen in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Multiple sclerosis. However, it can also be present in a small percentage of healthy adults without any neurological disease.

Related Terms

Primitive reflexes: These are reflexes that are present at birth and typically disappear as the child grows. They are controlled by the brain stem, which is the most primitive part of the brain.
Mentalis muscle: This is a pair of small, triangular muscles located at the tip of the chin. They are responsible for raising and wrinkling the skin of the chin and lower lip.
Neurological examination: This is a series of tests that are performed by a neurologist to check for signs of neurological disease or damage.