When your doctor triggers your patellar tendon reflex by tapping the front of your knee with a rubber hammer,what might she be assessing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patellar tendon reflex is a reflex arc that involves the sensory neurons in the stretch receptors in the patellar tendon, as well as the motor neurons in the spinal cord that innervate the quadriceps muscle, causing it to contract and extend the leg. Therefore, the assessment of this reflex can help determine the integrity and health of the nervous tissue between the knee and the spinal cord. This reflex is not related to the cerebellum, cerebral cortex, or foot.

When Your Doctor Triggers Your Patellar Tendon Reflex by Tapping