Ankle jerk reflex

Ankle jerk reflex

The ankle jerk reflex, also known as the Achilles reflex, occurs when the Achilles tendon is tapped while the foot is dorsi-flexed. A positive result would be the jerking of the foot towards its plantar surface.

The Achilles reflex checks if the S1 and S2 nerve roots are intact and could be indicative of sciatic nerve pathology. It is classically delayed in hypothyroidism. This reflex is usually absent in disk herniations at the L5-S1 level.

A reduction in the ankle jerk reflex is also indicative of peripheral neuropathy.

See also

*Tonic vibration reflex


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • ankle jerk — n a reflex downward movement of the foot produced by a spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the calf in response to sudden extension of the leg or the striking of the Achilles tendon above the heel called also Achilles reflex …   Medical dictionary

  • 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 (CN V).[1] The mandible or lower jaw is tapped at a downward angle just below the lips at the chin while the mouth is held… …   Wikipedia

  • ankle jerk — a deep tendon reflex elicited when the Achilles tendon is stretched and then struck with a tendon hammer. The normal response is reflex contraction of the calf muscles and plantar flexion of the ankle. The ankle jerk may be increased if the… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • ankle jerk — noun : a reflex downward movement of the foot due to a spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the calf caused by sudden extension of the leg or by striking the Achilles tendon above the heel * * * a reflex extension of the foot, caused by… …   Useful english dictionary

  • ankle jerk — a reflex extension of the foot, caused by contraction of the muscles of the calf, resulting from a sharp tap on the Achilles tendon; Achilles reflex. [1885 90] * * * …   Universalium

  • Reflex — For other uses, see Reflex (disambiguation). A reflex action, also known as a reflex, is an involuntary and nearly instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus.[1] A true reflex is a behavior which is mediated via the reflex arc; this does… …   Wikipedia

  • Reflex — A reaction that is involuntary. The corneal reflex is the blink that occurs with irritation of the eye. The nasal reflex is a sneeze. * * * 1. An involuntary reaction in response to a stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the… …   Medical dictionary

  • Stretch reflex — The stretch reflex (myotatic reflex) is a muscle contraction in response to stretching within the muscle. It is a monosynaptic reflex which provides automatic regulation of skeletal muscle length. When a muscle lengthens, the muscle spindle is… …   Wikipedia

  • Cushing reflex — (also referred to as the vasopressor response, the Cushing effect, the Cushing reaction, the Cushing phenomenon, the Cushing response, or Cushing s Law) is a physiological nervous system response to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that… …   Wikipedia

  • Mammalian diving reflex — The mammalian diving reflex is a reflex in mammals which optimizes respiration to allow staying underwater for extended periods of time. It is exhibited strongly in aquatic mammals (seals,[1] otters, dolphins, etc.), but exists in a weaker… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”