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.