Reflex Patellar

The patellar reflex (r. patellaris; anat. patella patella) is one of the most frequently studied tendon reflexes. It is caused by tapping the quadriceps tendon below the patella with a hammer. In response to this, the lower leg is extended.

This reflex is provided by a reflex arc consisting of receptors located in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle, an afferent neuron extending from the dorsal roots of the lumbosacral spinal cord, efferent α-motoneurons innervating the quadriceps muscle of the leg, and the extensor muscle of the leg itself.

A pathological decrease or absence of the reflex may indicate damage to the afferent fibers (disease or injury of the spinal cord), as well as the efferent part of the reflex arc (polyradiculoneuritis). Hyperreflexia of the patella in combination with other pathological reflexes is characteristic of lesions of the pyramidal tract.

Thus, the study of the patellar reflex provides important information about the state of the neuromuscular system and is used by doctors in complex neurological diagnostics.

The patellar reflex, also known as the patella reflex or quadriceps pull reflex, is an important reflex that can be used in diagnosing certain diseases of the nervous system and muscular system.

This reflex is caused by a blow to the tendon below the knee, which stretches the quadriceps femoris muscle. The patellar reflex can be tested by a doctor or other health care professional by striking the tendon with a sharp hammer.

Usually, with normal functioning of the nervous system and muscular system, the patellar reflex causes a rapid and short contraction of the quadriceps femoris muscle, which leads to the lifting of the leg upward. This reflex is normal in all healthy people, and its absence may indicate problems with the nervous system or muscular system.

For example, the absence of the patellar reflex may be associated with nerve disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or muscle diseases such as muscle dystrophy. In addition, changes in the patellar reflex may be associated with other diseases such as stroke, spinal cord injury, etc.

Overall, the patellar reflex is an important tool for assessing the nervous system and muscular system. It can be used in combination with other diagnostic methods to determine the presence of diseases related to the nervous system and muscular system and to develop effective treatment plans.