Mélyínreflexeket

Mélyínreflexeket refers to a set of deep tendon reflexes, also known as stretch reflexes, that are elicited by a sudden stretch of a muscle. These reflexes are involuntary, monosynaptic pathways that involve a sensory neuron, a motor neuron, and a synapse within the spinal cord. When a tendon is tapped, the muscle it attaches to is stretched, activating stretch receptors called muscle spindles. These receptors send a signal along the sensory neuron to the spinal cord, where it directly synapses with a motor neuron. The motor neuron then sends a signal back to the same muscle, causing it to contract and counteract the stretch.

Commonly tested deep tendon reflexes include the patellar reflex (knee-jerk reflex) and the Achilles reflex (ankle-jerk reflex). The patellar reflex is elicited by tapping the patellar tendon, which causes the quadriceps femoris muscle to contract, resulting in extension of the knee. The Achilles reflex is elicited by tapping the Achilles tendon, causing the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to contract, resulting in plantar flexion of the foot. Other deep tendon reflexes include the biceps reflex, triceps reflex, and brachioradialis reflex.

The assessment of deep tendon reflexes is a crucial part of a neurological examination. The strength and symmetry of these reflexes can provide valuable information about the integrity of the nervous system, including the peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and brainstem. Diminished or absent reflexes may indicate damage to the peripheral nervous system, such as neuropathy, or a problem within the reflex arc at the spinal cord level. Exaggerated reflexes, also known as hyperreflexia, can suggest an upper motor neuron lesion, indicating dysfunction in the brain or spinal cord above the level of the reflex. A neurologist or other healthcare professional will systematically test these reflexes to aid in the diagnosis of various neurological conditions.