Knowledge Base
- Muscle stretch reflex is a brisk contraction in response to an abrupt stretch of its tendon.
- Optimal positions for eliciting stretch reflexes: These positions stretch the muscle to enable a blow from the reflex hammer to abruptly stretch it further.
- Neural pathways for each stretch reflex.
- Biceps (C5-6)
- Triceps (C7-8)
- Radial (C5-6)
- Quadriceps (Knee jerk) (L2-4)
- Ankle jerk (S1-2)
- Phenomenon of re-enforcement
- Diseases affecting stretch reflex
- Aging
- Loss of ankle jerk in 50-70%
Ref:
- Castro, Mosby's....Neuroscience, 143-4.