Transcript Reflexes lab

Reflexes
Reflexes
• Normal reflexes depend on normal function in
the nervous system
• There are two kinds of reflexes
– 1. Somatic or Deep reflexes
– A. stretch reflexes – achilles, patellar tendon reflexes
– B. withdrawal reflexes
– 2. Superficial or cutaneous reflexes
Testing reflexes
• Use the flat end of the reflex hammer!
• Use a sharp, quick tap – don’t be a wimp!
• Sometimes you can’t observe a reflex – don’t panic, it’s
probably you or your “patient” is nervous and not relaxed
• An absent reflex could mean a delay or prevention of sensory
transmission along a lower motor neuron
– But hypothyroidism can also produce this
• An overactive reflex can result from disruptions in the upper
motor neurons in the spinal cord or brain
– Can result from hyperthyroidism
Achilles Reflex
• Tests the S1,S2 nerve roots and the sciatic nerve
• Have your partner sit on a chair or table so that both feet
hang over the edge
• Locate the achilles tendon of the right foot and tap it with the
reflex hammer
• What happens?
Patellar
• Tests the L3,L4 nerve roots and the femoral nerve
• Have your partner sit on a chair or table sp that both feet hang over the
edge
• Locate the patellar tendon of the right leg and tap it with the hammer
• What happens?
• Have your partner count down from 99 to 32
• Tap it again – was the response greater or less?
• Repeat this on the left leg?
Biceps Reflex
• Tests the C5,C6 nerve roots and the musculocutaneous nerve
• Have your partner rest their arm on a table with the palm facing up
• Place your thumb on the biceps tendon – have your partner flex their
forearm to help find it
• Tap your thumbnail with the hammer
• What happens?
Triceps reflex
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Tests the C7,C8 nerve roots and the radial nerve
Have your partner flex one arm at the elbow and hold their arm
Tap the triceps tendon with the hammer using the pointed end
What happens?
Test each arm
Superficial Reflex – The Babinski reflex
• Using the handle of the hammer – stroke the
underside of you partner’s foot using an upward
motion from heel to toes
• What happens?
Ciliospinal
• Have one person sit in a chair – observe their
pupils
• Have another person unexpectedly touch a
piece of ice to the back of the neck
• What happens?