ELBOW REFLEX Meaning and
Definition
-
Elbow reflex refers to a medical term that describes an involuntary response elicited by tapping a specific area in the elbow region, resulting in a quick and momentary contraction of the muscles around the joint. It is a part of the neurological examination used by healthcare professionals to evaluate the intactness of a patient's reflex arc involving the nerves in the arm.
Also known as the brachioradialis reflex, the elbow reflex primarily tests the function of the radial nerve (specifically, its fifth cervical nerve root). To initiate the reflex, a healthcare provider applies a light strike or tap to the brachioradialis muscle, a muscle located in the forearm that assists in flexing the elbow. This strike generates a sensory stimulus, which is then transmitted to the spinal cord. The spinal cord processes this information and rapidly sends a motor impulse back to the muscle, causing it to contract momentarily.
The presence or absence of the elbow reflex can yield vital information about an individual's neurological integrity. A brisk or exaggerated reflex response indicates possible hyperreflexia, which may be indicative of nerve damage, neurological disorders, or spinal cord compression. Conversely, a diminished or absent reflex response suggests hyporeflexia or areflexia, which might indicate nerve damage, nerve entrapment, or other conditions that affect the nervous system.
Medical professionals routinely assess the elbow reflex during physical examinations to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of various neurological conditions. It is essential to evaluate this reflex in conjunction with other assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of a patient's neurologic status.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ELBOW REFLEX
- elbow reflmx
- elbow reflax
- elbow reflgx
- elbow refle8
- elbow refleh
- elbow reflep
- elbow refley
- e lbow reflex
- el bow reflex
- elb ow reflex
- elbo w reflex
- elbow r eflex
- elbow re flex
- elbow ref lex
- elbow refl ex
- elbow refle x
Etymology of ELBOW REFLEX
The word "elbow" comes from the Old English word "elnboga", which is derived from the combination of "eln" (forearm) and "boga" (bow or angle). It refers to the joint between the upper and lower arm, allowing for bending and rotating movements.
The term "reflex" originates from the Latin word "reflexus", which means "bent back" or "turned back". In the context of physiology, a reflex refers to an involuntary response or reaction to a specific stimulus.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
