BICEPS REFLEX Meaning and
Definition
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The biceps reflex, also known as the biceps tendon reflex or the C5-C6 reflex, is a neurological reflex that tests the normal functioning of the C5 and C6 nerve roots. It is a monosynaptic reflex mediated by the peripheral nervous system.
The biceps reflex is elicited by tapping the biceps tendon located in the antecubital fossa, which is the groove in the front of the elbow. This tap results in a rapid stretch of the biceps muscle and the activation of the sensory receptor (muscle spindle) in the muscle. The sensory information is then transmitted via the sensory nerve (mainly the musculocutaneous nerve, C5-C6) to the spinal cord.
Upon reaching the spinal cord, the sensory nerve synapses directly with the motor nerve (mainly the musculocutaneous nerve) in the C5-C6 segments. This monosynaptic connection triggers a reflexive response, causing the contraction of the biceps muscle, which results in the flexion of the arm at the elbow joint.
An absent or diminished biceps reflex may indicate underlying nerve damage or pathology in the C5-C6 nerve roots, such as a herniated disc, brachial plexus injury, or spinal cord compression. Conversely, an exaggerated or prolonged reflex response may suggest upper motor neuron dysfunction, such as spinal cord injury or certain neurological disorders.
The biceps reflex, along with other reflex tests, is frequently conducted during a neurological examination to assess the integrity and functionality of the upper limb nerves and spinal cord.
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Contraction of the biceps muscle when its tendon is struck.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BICEPS REFLEX
- viceps reflex
- niceps reflex
- hiceps reflex
- giceps reflex
- buceps reflex
- bjceps reflex
- bkceps reflex
- boceps reflex
- b9ceps reflex
- b8ceps reflex
- bixeps reflex
- biveps reflex
- bifeps reflex
- bideps reflex
- bicwps reflex
- bicsps reflex
- bicdps reflex
- bicrps reflex
- bic4ps reflex
- bic3ps reflex
Etymology of BICEPS REFLEX
The word "biceps" in the term "biceps reflex" comes from the Latin word "biceps" which means "two-headed". It refers to a muscle in the upper arm that has two points of origin. The prefix "bi-" means "two", and "ceps" derives from the Latin "caput", which means "head".
The term "reflex" comes from the Latin word "reflectere", which means "to bend back". In this context, it refers to an involuntary reaction or movement of a muscle in response to the stimulation of a specific sensory nerve. Therefore, the "biceps reflex" is a test to assess the involuntary contraction of the biceps muscle when the associated tendon is tapped with a reflex hammer.
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