{"id":4759,"date":"2020-12-30T18:21:16","date_gmt":"2020-12-30T18:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetmed.illinois.edu\/demo-sa-orthopedics\/?page_id=4759"},"modified":"2021-01-17T01:37:44","modified_gmt":"2021-01-17T01:37:44","slug":"forelimb-reflexes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/vetmed.illinois.edu\/demo-sa-orthopedics\/forelimb-reflexes\/","title":{"rendered":"Forelimb Reflexes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spinal reflexes<\/strong>\u00a0(myotactic reflexes) test the integrity of sensory and motor components of the reflex arc and the influence of descending motor pathways on the reflex. An absent or depressed reflex indicates complete or partial loss of either the sensory or motor nerves responsible for the reflex (lower motor neuron [LMN]) A normal reflex indices that sensory and motor nerves are intact. An exaggerated reflex indicates an abnormality in the descending pathways from the brain and spinal cord that normally inhibit the reflex (upper motor neuron [UMN]). In general, forelimb reflexes are not as reliable for localizing lesions as rear limb reflexes.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Biceps Reflex<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>

To perform the biceps reflex<\/b>, the index finger of the examiner\u2019s hand that is holding the animal\u2019s elbow is placed on the biceps tendon cranial and proximal to the elbow. The elbow is slightly extended and the finger is struck with the reflex hammer. Normal response is slight flexion of the elbow.<\/p>\n

The biceps bracheii is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve which arises mainly from spinal cord segment C7. The reflex is difficult to attain in normal animals. Absent or decreased reflexes suggest a lesion involving spinal cord segments C6-T2 (LMN). An exaggerated reflex indicates a lesion cranial to spinal cord segment C6 (UMN).<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Bicep Reflex Interactive Animation<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
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