Cubital reflex

The cubital reflex is a reflexive contraction of the extensor muscles of the forearm and shoulder, which occurs when the ulnar nerve is irritated. This reflex is one of the simplest and most common reflexes that can be studied in medical practice.

The cubital reflex is very important for assessing the functional state of the ulnar nerve and its branches. Normally, when a person bends his arm at the elbow joint, a reflex relaxation of the extensor muscles occurs, which leads to stretching of the ulnar nerve and improvement of its blood supply. If this reflex is absent or weakened, then this may indicate a pathology of the ulnar nerve or its branches, which may be associated with various diseases, such as injuries, tumors, inflammatory processes, etc.

To study the cubital reflex, the electromyography method is used, which allows you to record the electrical activity of the extensor muscles. When studying the cubital reflex, the doctor stimulates the ulnar nerve and then records changes in the electrical activity of the extensor muscles when the arm is flexed at the elbow.

If the cubital reflex is weakened or absent, this may indicate pathology of the ulnar nerve or its branches and requires further examination and treatment. In some cases, for example, with injuries or inflammatory processes, the cubital reflex can be strengthened, which is also a pathological sign.

Thus, the cubital reflex is an important diagnostic tool in medical practice and allows you to assess the functional state of the ulnar nerve and its branches, as well as identify possible pathologies.

Elbow's reflex consists of three components: muscular tonic and two autonomic. It is caused by pressure along the inner surface of the forearm. The muscular-tonic component is manifested by a slight contraction of the medial belly of the deltoid muscle. The feeling of heaviness in the forearm bursts from the resistance of the muscle, gradually intensifies and passes to the shoulder, subclavian and posterior lateral belly of the trapezius muscle. Maintaining tonic tension of the shoulder girdle is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure. Autonomic components are expressed by hyperemia, irritation and dilation of blood vessels in the forearm and shoulder.