Reflex Testing Procedures Quiz

A test that checks the reflex response of the biceps muscle. It involves tapping the biceps tendon with a reflex hammer to elicit muscle contraction and observe movement.

A test to assess the reflex response of the triceps muscle. It involves striking the triceps tendon just above the elbow to elicit muscle contraction and observe movement.

A test that evaluates the reflex response of the plantar muscles in the foot. It involves stimulating the sole of the foot with a blunt object to observe the toe response.

A test that assesses the salivary response after stimulation. It involves placing a cotton swab, initially with water and then with a glucose solution, under the tongue to stimulate saliva production.

The neuron that carries signals from sensory receptors to the CNS.

A neuron that integrates information from sensory neurons and transmits it to motor neurons.

The neuron that carries signals from the CNS to effectors (muscles or glands).

Branch-like extensions that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body. These extensions help to increase the surface area of the neuron for receiving information.

The central part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and integrates signals from dendrites. It controls the neuron's activities.

A long, slender extension that transmits signals from the cell body to other neurons or effectors.

A region at the beginning of the axon where it connects to the cell body. It determines whether or not an electrical signal is strong enough to send an action potential.

Small branches extending off the main axon, allowing the neuron to communicate with multiple other neurons.

Small bulbs at the end of the axon terminal, containing neurotransmitters that are released to transmit signals to other neurons.

A type of glial cell that wraps around axons in the PNS, forming the myelin sheath.

A fatty covering around the axon that acts as an insulator and speeds up the transmission of electrical signals.

The outer layer of Schwann cells around the myelin sheath., important for regeneration of damaged nerves.

Gaps between the myelin sheaths along the axon. They allow the electrical signal to jump from one node to the next, speeding up the transmission of action potentials.

The process of a neuron transmitting an electrical signal.

A type of glial cell that forms myelin sheaths around axons in the CNS.

A reflex test that assesses the change in pupil size by shining a light into the eye.

A reflex test that measures the increased saliva production triggered by tasting something sweet.

A reflex test that measures the increased saliva production triggered by tasting something sour.

A reflex test that assesses the body's response to immersion in cold water, typically observed as a decrease in heart rate.

A method used to measure and record the volume of saliva produced over a set period.

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion. Some reflexes are part of this system, like salivation and pupillary constriction.

Tapping the patellar tendon below the kneecap triggers extension of the lower leg. The patellar reflex is a simple example of a stretch reflex, where a muscle contracts in response to stretching.

The pupillary reflex controls the size of the pupil in response to light. Bright light causes constriction, while dim light causes dilation.

The plantar reflex is a test that checks the response of the muscles in the sole of the foot. In healthy adults, stroking the sole causes the toes to curl downward.

Multipolar neurons are the most common type of neuron in the central nervous system (CNS). They have multiple dendrites and a single axon, allowing them to receive input from many sources and transmit signals to other neurons.

Bipolar neurons are specialized neurons found in sensory systems like the eye, ear, and nose. They have one dendrite and one axon, enabling them to receive and transmit specific sensory information.

Unipolar neurons are characterized by a single process extending from the cell body that functions as both an axon and a dendrite. They are involved in sensory pathways, particularly in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that provide structural support and maintain the chemical environment of the central nervous system (CNS). They play a crucial role in regulating ion concentrations and neurotransmitter levels.

Microglia are small, mobile glial cells in the CNS that act as the immune system of the brain and spinal cord. They phagocytize pathogens, dead cells, and debris, protecting against infection and injury.

Ependymal cells line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). They also contribute to the barrier between CSF and the CNS tissue.

Satellite cells are small, flattened glial cells that surround neuron cell bodies in ganglia of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They provide structural support and regulate the environment around the neurons.

Dura mater is the outermost and toughest layer of the meninges, providing a protective covering for the spinal cord. It is made of dense irregular connective tissue.

Arachnoid mater, a web-like middle layer of the meninges, serves as a cushion for the CNS and maintains its structural integrity. It is composed of collagen and elastic fibers.

Pia mater is the innermost layer of the meninges, directly in contact with the spinal cord and brain. It contains blood vessels that supply nutrients and remove waste.

Epidural space is the space located between the dura mater and the vertebral column, containing blood vessels, fat, and connective tissue that provide cushioning and support for the spinal cord.

Subdural space is a narrow space between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, containing a small amount of fluid that helps reduce friction and enhance cushioning for the CNS.

Subarachnoid space is the space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater, filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF provides cushioning, nutrients, and waste removal for the spinal cord and brain.

The anterior horn of the gray matter contains cell bodies of motor neurons, which transmit signals from the spinal cord to skeletal muscles, initiating voluntary movement. This area is often described as a 'butterfly' shape.

The posterior horn of the gray matter contains sensory neurons, which receive input from sensory receptors throughout the body, translating sensory information into signals that travel to the brain.

A test that checks the reflex response of the Achilles Tendon by tapping the tendon with a reflex hammer and observing foot movement.

A test that checks the reflex response of the knee by tapping the patellar tendon just below the kneecap and observing lower leg movement.

A test that checks the reflex response of the biceps brachii muscle in the upper arm by tapping the bicep tendon and observing forearm movement.

A test that checks the reflex response of the triceps brachii muscle in the upper arm by tapping the triceps tendon above the elbow and observing forearm movement.

A test that assesses the reflex response of the plantar muscles by stimulating the sole of the foot. In adults, a normal response involves curling of the toes. However, an abnormal response known as the Babinski sign in adults, involves toes spreading out instead of curling. This is normal in children under 18 months.

An abnormal response in adults to the Plantar Reflex test, characterized by toe spreading outward instead of curling inward. This is normal in children under 18 months.

The extension movement of the foot, pointed downwards or away from the body.

The bending movement of a joint, usually in the direction of the body or the trunk.

The straightening movement of a joint, usually away from the body or the trunk.

A sensory neuron that carries signals from receptors in the body to the central nervous system.