Tendon Reflexes 30s Two tendon reflexes easily tested involve the patellar and A

Question

Tendon Reflexes 30s Two tendon reflexes easily tested involve the patellar and Achilles tendons. When these tendons are mechanically stim- ulated by tapping with a reflex hammer or in our case, with a meter stick, sensory neurons transmit impulses to the spinal cord and motor neurons, bringing about muscle contraction. Achilles Tendon Have the subject rest one knee on a chair so that the leg is extended. With the meter stick tap the Achilles tendon at the ankle. Which way does the foot move? Does it extend (move away from the knee) or flex move toward the knee)? Patellar Tendon Have the subject sit on the table so that the leg hangs free. Sharply tap the patellar tendon just below the patella (kn with the meter stick. In this relaxed state, does the leg flex (move toward the buttocks) or extend buttocks)? eccap)

Explanation / Answer

1. Achilles tendons reflex also called as ankle jerk reflex is a type of stretch reflex that test gastrocnemius muscle and its related nerves. The ankle for this test should be placed in a relaxed and extended position.

In such situation, positive result will be shown by jerking of foot. Therefore, the foot will flex towards the knee.

2.Petellar tendon reflex is also called as knee jerk reflex, which is a stretch test for L2, L2, L3 and L4 segments of spinal cord.

When hammered these tendons stretches the muscle spindle in the quadriceps muscle, which generates a reflex signal that travels through the reflex arc generating signal to quadriceps femoris muscle, triggering contraction. This contraction coordinated with antagonistic flexor muscles results in a kick, which leg extend or move away from buttocks.

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