Adult Reflexes
Bicep Reflex
 Bicep’s reflex is a reflex test that
examines the function of the C5 reflex
arc and the C6 reflex arc.
 The test is performed by using a tendon
hammer to quickly depress the biceps
brachii tendon as it passes through the
cubital fossa.
Triceps
 It is measured by striking the triceps
tendon directly with the hammer while
holding the patient's arm with the other
hand.
 Repeat and compare to the other arm.
 This is tested as part of neurological
examination to assess the sensory and
motor pathways within the C7 and C8
spinal nerves.
Brachioradialis
 The examiner prompts the
brachioradialis reflex by tapping the
brachioradialis muscle tendon at its
point of insertion onto the styloid
process of the radius.
 A normal reflex would produce flexion
and supination of the forearm.
Patellar
 Patellar reflex, also called Knee-jerk
reflex, sudden kicking movement of the
lower leg in response to a sharp tap on
the patellar tendon, which lies just below
the kneecap.
 Positions that may take for the test is to
sit with knees bent and foot hangs clear
of the floor.
 In reaction, these muscles contract, and
the contraction tends to straighten the
leg in a kicking motion.
 Exaggeration or absence of the reaction
suggests that there may be damage to
the central nervous system.
 It can also be helpful in recognizing
thyroid disease.
Ankle Jerk Reflex
 The ankle jerk reflex, also known as the
Achilles reflex, occurs when the Achilles
tendon is tapped while the foot is
dorsiflexed.
 It is a type of stretch reflex that tests the
function of the gastrocnemius muscle
and the nerve that supplies it.
  It is elicited by holding the relaxed foot
with one hand and striking the Achilles
tendon with the hammer and noting
plantar flexion.
Palmomental
 Is an involuntary contraction of the
mentalis muscle caused by stimulation
of thenar eminence.
 Presence may indicate cerebral
pathology

Jaw Jerk Reflex

 The jaw jerk reflex or the masseter
reflex is a stretch reflex used to test the
status of a patient's trigeminal nerve.
 It is to help distinguish an upper cervical
cord compression from lesions that are
above the foramen magnum.
 The test is done by tapping at a
downward angle the lower jaw through
Rooting
the chin just below the lips.
 The rooting reflex is present if stroking
the lateral upper lip causes movement
of the mouth toward the stimulus.
 It can be observed in adult patients with
frontal lobe pathology.

Hoffman
 It is a test that doctors use to examine
the reflexes of the upper extremities.
 This test is a quick, equipment-free way
to test for the possible existence of
spinal cord compression from a lesion
on the spinal cord or another underlying Glabellar
nerve condition
 The forehead is tapped to induce
blinking; normally, each of the first 5
taps induces a single blink, then the
reflex fatigues.
 Blinking persists in patients with diffuse
cerebral dysfunction.
 Superficial Abdominal Reflex
 Is the contraction of the abdominal
muscles in response to the area being
stroked
Plantar
 Is done by stroking areas around the
 It is a nociceptive segmental spinal umbilicus using a wooden tool applicator
reflex that serves the purpose of or end of patella hammer
protecting the sole of the foot.  Absence may indicate spinal cord injury
 The clinical significance lies in the fact
that the abnormal response reliably
indicates metabolic or structural
abnormality in the corticospinal system
upstream from the segmental reflex.

Bulbospongiosus Reflex
 Is the contraction of the
bulbocavernosus muscles and/or
external anal sphincter in response to
squeezing of the penis or clitoris
Clonus  Presence may indicate intactness of the
sacral spinal reflex arcs
 Testing for clonus is done by rapid
 Absence may indicate spinal shock
dorsiflexion of the foot at the ankle.
 Clonus is a rhythmic oscillating stretch
reflex that is related to upper motor
neuron lesions.
 Clonus is generally accompanied by
hyperreflexia.
 Sustained clonus indicates an upper
motor neuron disorder.
Cremasteric Reflex
 A reflex found in human males that is
elicited when the inner part of the thigh
is stroked and by lightly stroking the
superior and medial part of the thigh in a
downward direction.
 It is dependent upon the nerve roots L1
and L2 and the normal response is a
contraction of the cremaster muscle that
pulls up the scrotum and testis on the
side stroked.
 The upper and lower motor neuron
disorders can cause an absece of
cremasteric reflex.