a decrease in pulse rate associated with traction on extraocular muscles or compression of the eyeball; especially sensitive in children; may produce asystolic cardiac arrest.

reflex

An involuntary response or action to a stimulus. Reflexes are specific and predictable and are usually purposeful and adaptive. They depend on an intact neural pathway between the stimulation point and a responding organ. This pathway is called the reflex arc. In a simple reflex this includes a sensory receptor, afferent or sensory neuron, reflex center in the brain or spinal cord, one or more efferent neurons, and an effector organ. Most reflexes, however, are more complicated and include internuncial or associative neurons intercalated between afferent and efferent neurons. See: reflex arc for illus

abdominal reflex

(re'fleks?) [L., bending back]

Contraction of the muscles of the abdominal wall when the overlying skin is stimulated. Absence of this reflex indicates damage to the pyramidal tract.

abdominocardiac reflex

A change in heart rate, usually a slowing, resulting from mechanical stimulation of abdominal viscera.

accommodation reflex

Any of the changes that take place as the eye adjusts to bring light rays from an object to focus on the retina. This involves a change in the size of the pupil, convergence or divergence of the eyes, and either a decrease or an increase in the convexity of the lens depending on the previous condition of the lens. Synonym: near reflex

Achilles tendon reflex

Achilles reflex

acoustic blink reflex

See: Achilles tendon reflex See: Achilles tendon reflex

Involuntary closure of the eyelids after exposure to a sharp, sudden noise. This is a normal startle response that may be exaggerated in patients with anxiety disorders or hyperacusis. It may be blunted in infants or adults with a hearing disorder or facial nerve paralysis.

acquired reflex

acromial reflex

Flexion of the forearm and internal rotation of the hand as a result of a quick blow to the acromion. It is elicited in hyperreflexic states.

adductor reflex

Contraction of the adductor muscles of the thigh on applying pressure to or tapping the medial surface of the thigh or knee.

allied reflex

Any of the reflexes initiated by several stimuli originating in widely separated receptors whose impulses follow the final common path to the effector organ and reinforce one another.

anal reflex

Contraction of the anal sphincter following irritation or stimulation of the skin around the anus. This reflex is lost if the second to fourth sacral nerves are injured. Synonym: anal wink

ankle clonus reflex

A reflex elicited by quick, vigorous dorsiflexion of the foot while the knee is held in a flexed position, resulting in repeated clonic movement of the foot as long as it is maintained in dorsiflexion. In women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, this reflects hyperirritability of the central nervous system and increased risk for eclamptic convulsions.

ankle reflex

antagonistic reflexes

Two or more reflexes initiated simultaneously in different receptors that involve the same motor center but produce opposite effects.

asymmetrical tonic neck reflex

In an infant, extension of one or both extremities on the side to which the head is forcibly turned. Flexion of the extremities occurs on the other side.

attention reflex

Change in the size of the pupil when attention is suddenly fixed.

audito-oculogyric reflex

The sudden turning of the head and eyes toward an alarming sound.

auditory reflex

Any reflex produced by stimulation of the auditory nerve, esp. blinking of the eyes at the sudden unexpected production of a sound.

auriculocervical nerve reflex

auriculopalpebral reflex

autonomic reflex

Any reflex involving the response of a visceral effector (cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, or gland). Such reflexes always involve two efferent neurons (preganglionic and postganglionic).

axon reflex

A reflex that does not involve a complete reflex arc and hence is not a true reflex. Its afferent and efferent limbs are branches of a single nerve fiber, the axon (axon-like dendrite) of a sensory neuron. An example is vasodilation resulting from stimulation of the skin.

Babinski reflex

Bainbridge reflex

Bechterew reflex

biceps reflex

See: Babinski, Joseph-François-Felix See: Bainbridge, Francis Arthur See: Bechterew, Vladimir Mikhailovich

Flexion of the forearm on percussion of the tendon of the biceps brachii.

blink reflex

Sudden closing of the eyelids in response to turning of the head, loud noises, bright lights, or visual threats. Absence of this reflex occurs in blindness and in injuries to cranial nerves III, V, and VII.

Brain reflex

bregmocardiac reflex

See: Brain reflex

A reduced heart rate following pressure on the anterior fontanel.

Breuer-Hering reflex

Brissaud reflex

bulbocavernosus reflex

See: Brissaud, Édouard

Contraction of bulbocavernosus muscle on percussing the dorsum of the penis.

bulbomimic reflex

bulbospongiosus reflex

Synonym: virile reflex Synonym: Facial reflex

Contraction of bulbospongiosus muscle on percussing the dorsum of the penis.

cardiac reflex

An involuntary response consisting of a change in cardiac rate. Stimulation of sensory nerve endings in the wall of the carotid sinus by increased arterial blood pressure reflexively slows the heart (Marey law). Stimulation of vagus fibers in the right side of the heart by increased venous return reflexively increases the heart rate (Bainbridge reflex).

cardiovascular reflex

1. A sympathetic increase in heart rate when there is increased pressure in or distention of great veins.

2. Reflex vasoconstriction resulting from reduced venous pressure.

carotid sinus reflex

A slowing of the heart rate and a fall in blood pressure when the carotid sinus is massaged. Carotid sinus massage may be used therapeutically to treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

cat's eye reflex

In children, an abnormal pupillary flash or reflection from the eye that may be momentary; may be white, yellow, or pink; and is best seen under diminished natural illumination. This reflex, which may be noticed first by a parent, may be caused by various conditions, the most important of which is retinoblastoma. It is also observed in tuberous sclerosis, inflammatory eye diseases, and some congenital malformations of the eye.

Chaddock reflex

chain reflex

See: retinoblastoma See: Chaddock reflex

A reflex initiated by several separate serial reflexes, each activated by the preceding one.

chemical reflex

chin reflex

A clonic movement resulting from percussion or stroking of the lower jaw.

ciliary reflex

Synonym: jaw jerk

The normal contraction of the pupil in accommodation of vision from distant to near.

ciliospinal reflex

Dilation of the pupil after stimulation of the skin of the neck by pinching or scratching.

clasp-knife reflex

Quick inhibition of the stretch reflex when extensor muscles are forcibly stretched by flexing the limb.

cochleo-orbicular reflex

cochleopalpebral reflex

Contraction of the orbicularis palpebrarum muscle resulting from a sudden noise produced near the ear. Synonym: cochleo-orbicular reflex

conditioned reflex

A reflex acquired as a result of training in which the cerebral cortex plays an essential part. Conditioned reflexes are learned, not inborn or inherited. Synonym: acquired reflex

conjunctival reflex

Closure of eyelids when the conjunctiva is touched or threatened.

consensual reflex

consensual light reflex

The reaction of both pupils that occurs when one eye is exposed to a greater intensity of light than the other. See: pupillary reflex

contralateral reflex

1. Passive flexion of one part following flexion of another.

2. Passive flexion of one leg, causing similar movement of the opposite leg.

convulsive reflex

A reflex induced by a weak stimulus and causing widespread uncoordinated and purposeless muscle contractions, seen in strychnine poisoning.

corneal reflex

Closure of eyelids resulting from direct corneal irritation. This reflex is mediated by the fifth cranial nerve.

corneomandibular reflex

Synonym:

Deflexion of the mandible toward the opposite side when the cornea is irritated while the mouth is open and relaxed.

cranial reflex

Any reflex whose origin is in the brain.

cremasteric reflex

Retraction of the testis when the skin is stroked on the inner front side of the thigh.

crossed reflex

A reflex in which stimulation of one side of the body results in response on the opposite side. Synonym: consensual reflex; indirect reflex

crossed extension reflex

An extension of the lower extremity on the opposite side when a painful stimulus is applied to the skin.

cry reflex

1. The normal ability of an infant to cry. It is not usually present in premature infants.

2. The spontaneous crying by infants during sleep.

dartos muscle reflex

A wormlike contraction of the dartos muscle after a sudden application of cold to the perineum. When the dartos muscle fibers contract, the scrotal skin becomes wrinkled and is held close to the testes

deep reflex

deep tendon reflex

deep reflex; muscle stretch reflex See: knee-jerk reflex An automatic motor response elicited by stimulating stretch receptors in subcutaneous tissues surrounding joints and tendons. The assessment of DTRs is typically made by striking a tendon (such as the Achilles or brachioradialis tendons) with a weighted hammer. Brisk or hyperactive responses are seen in conditions such as hyperthyroidism, stroke, preeclampsia, or spastic disorders. Diminished responses may be seen in patients with hypothyroidism, drug intoxication, and flaccid neuromuscular disorders. Synonym:See: clonus

defense reflex

Abbreviation:

Retraction or tension in response to an action or threatened action.

delayed reflex

A reflex that does not occur until several seconds after the application of a stimulus.

depressor reflex

A reflex that results in slowed muscle activity, as in the heart rate.

digital reflex

Sudden flexion of the terminal phalanx of a finger or thumb when the nail is suddenly tapped.

direct reflex

A reflex in which response occurs on the same side as the stimulus.

direct light reflex

Prompt contraction of the sphincter of the iris when light entering through the pupil strikes the retina.

diving reflex

Slowing of the heart rate when a person's head is immersed in water. This reflex helps to protect a person from drowning, esp. in cold water.

dorsal reflex

elbow reflex

elementary reflex

See: drowning

A typical reflex common to all vertebrates that includes the postural, flexion, stretch, and extensor thrust reflexes.

embrace reflex

epigastric reflex

Contraction of the upper portion of the rectus abdominis muscle when the skin of the epigastric region is scratched.

Erben reflex

erector spinae reflex

Escherich reflex

extensor plantar reflex

See: Erben reflex See: Escherich reflex

Extension of the great toe when the sole of the foot is stimulated.

extensor thrust reflex

See: Babinski reflex

A quick and brief extension of a limb when pressure is applied to its plantar surface.

extrusion reflex

An infantile reflex in which the tongue moves outward after it has been touched. It is present from birth to 4 months.

eyelid closure reflex

supraorbital reflex Contraction of the orbicularis palpebrarum muscle with closure of lids resulting from percussion above the supraorbital nerve. Synonym: McCarthy reflex

facial reflex

bulbomimic reflex; Mondonesi reflex In coma, contraction of facial muscles when pressure is applied to the eyeball. Synonym:

fascial reflex

Muscular contraction resulting from percussing facial fascia.

femoral reflex

Extension of the knee and flexion of the foot resulting from irritation of the skin over the upper anterior third of the thigh.

fencing reflex

flexor withdrawal reflex

Flexion of a body part in response to a painful stimulus. Synonym: withdrawal reflex

front-tap reflex

Contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle when stretched muscles of the extended leg are percussed.

gag reflex

Gagging and vomiting resulting from irritation of the throat or pharynx.

Galant reflex

gastrocolic reflex

See: Galant reflex

A peristaltic wave in the colon induced by entrance of food into the stomach.

gastroileac reflex

The physiological relaxation of the ileocecal valve resulting from food in the stomach.

Gault reflex

Geigel reflex

Gifford reflex

glabellar reflex

See: Gault reflex See: Geigel reflex See: Gifford reflex

Blinking of the eyes when the forehead just above the bridge of the nose is tapped. In most people, blinking stops after a few taps on the forehead. If it does not, significant brain disease may be present, e.g., Parkinson disease or any disease that causes frontal lobe atrophy.

gluteal reflex

Contraction of the gluteal muscles from stimulation of the overlying skin.

Gordon reflex

grasp reflex

See: Gordon reflex

The grasping reaction of the fingers and toes when they are stimulated. This reflex is normal in the newborn but disappears as the nervous system matures. It may reappear later in life if a person suffers an injury to the frontal lobes of the brain.

Grünfelder reflex

H reflex

See: Grünfelder reflex

In electrodiagnostic studies of spinal reflexes, the time required for a stimulus applied to a sensory nerve to travel to the spinal cord and return down the motor nerve.

Haab reflex

heart reflex

See: F response See: Haab reflex

Any reflex, such as the Bainbridge reflex, in which the stimulation of a sensory nerve causes the heart rate to increase or decrease.

Hering-Breuer reflex

Hirschberg reflex

Hoffmann reflex

hung-up reflex

See: Hering-Breuer reflex See: Hoffmann, Johann

Slowness of the relaxation phase of deep tendon reflexes. It is present in hypothyroidism.

hypochondrial reflex

Sudden inspiration resulting from abrupt pressure below the costal border.

inborn reflex

An unconditioned reflex; an innate or inherited reflex.

indirect reflex

inflation reflex

inguinal reflex

Contractions of the musculature in the female groin when the upper thigh is scratched.

interscapular reflex

See: Geigel reflex

A scapular muscular contraction after percussion or stimulus between the scapulae.

intersegmental reflex

A reflex involving several segments of the spinal cord. Synonym: long reflex

intestinal reflex

intrasegmental reflex

A reflex that involves only a single segment of the spinal cord.

jaw reflex

Joffroy reflex

Juster reflex

kinetic reflex

Kisch reflex

knee-jerk reflex

See: Joffroy reflex See: Juster reflex See: Kisch reflex

Extension of the leg after percussion of the patellar tendon. This is one of the myotatic or stretch reflexes important in maintaining posture.

Kocher reflex

labyrinthine righting reflex

Synonym:See: Kocher reflex

A reflex, esp. a postural reflex, resulting from stimulation of receptors in the semicircular ducts, utricle, and saccule of the inner ear. This reflex helps orient the head in space and to the rest of the body.

lacrimal reflex

Synonym:

Secretion of fluid after irritation of the corneal conjunctiva.

Landau reflex

laryngeal reflex

See: Landau reflex

Coughing from irritation of the larynx or fauces.

laughter reflex

Uncontrollable laughter resulting from tickling or the fear of tickling.

letdown reflex

The movement of breast milk from the alveoli into the lactiferous ducts in response to oxytocin-stimulated contractions. The reflex may be stimulated by suckling or by an infant's crying. Stimulation of the nipple increases the secretion of oxytocin. This technique may be used to stimulate contraction of the postpartum uterus.

lid reflex

light reflex

Constriction of the pupil when light is flashed into the eye.

lip reflex

The reflex movement of the lips when the angle of the mouth is suddenly and lightly tapped during sleep.

local reflex

A reflex that does not involve the central nervous system, e.g., the myenteric reflex, which occurs even when extrinsic nerves to the intestine have been cut.

long reflex

Lovén reflex

lumbar reflex

See: Lovén reflex

An irritation of the skin over the erector spinae muscles, causing contraction of the back muscles.

Lust reflex

Magnus-de Kleijn reflex

Synonym:See: Lust reflex

In decerebrate rigidity, extension of the limbs on the side to which the chin is turned by rotating the head. There is flexion of the limbs on the opposite side.

mandibular reflex

Clonic movement resulting from percussing or stroking the lower jaw.

mass reflex

Autonomic dysfunction that may occur as a late consequence of transection of the spinal cord. It is marked by episodes of sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, urinary incontinence, and muscular spasms of the legs.

Mayer reflex

Mendel reflex

Mendel-Bechterew reflex

McCormac reflex

monosynaptic reflex

See: Mayer reflex See: Mendel, Kurt See: Mendel-Bechterew reflex See: McCormac reflex

A reflex involving only two neurons (afferent and efferent).

Moro reflex

muscle stretch reflex

myenteric reflex

See: Moro reflex

Reflex caused by distention of the intestine, resulting in contraction above the point of stimulation and relaxation below it. Synonym: intestinal reflex

myotatic reflex

nasal reflex

Sneezing resulting from irritation of nasal mucosa.

nasomental reflex

Contraction of the mentalis muscle with elevation of lower lip and wrinkling of skin of chin. The reflex is elicited by percussion of the side of the nose.

near reflex

neck-righting reflex

In a reclining infant, rotation of the trunk in the same direction in which the head is turned. This reflex appears at age 4 to 6 months and is no longer obtainable by age 2 years.

nociceptive reflex

A reflex initiated by a painful stimulus.

nostril reflex

Reduction of the opening of the naris on the affected side in lung disease in proportion to lessened alveolar air capacity on the affected side.

obliquus reflex

Contraction of the entire external obliquus muscle when the skin of the thigh below the inguinal ligament is simulated.

oculocardiac reflex

oculodigital reflex

See: Aschner phenomenon

A form of blindism characterized by repetitive rubbing of the eyes with fingers or the hands.

oculocephalic reflex

The deviation of a person's eyes to the opposite side when the head is rapidly rotated. This is a normal finding in neonates. In adults it is indicative of coma. Synonym: doll's eye movement

Onanoff reflex

optical blink reflex

See: blindism See: Onanoff reflex

Involuntary closure of the eyelids after exposure to a bright light. Shining a bright light at an infant's eyes causes the eyes to blink and the head to flex backward. If this reflex is absent, further testing of cranial nerves II, III, IV, and VI is required.

optical righting reflex

palatal reflex

Swallowing induced by stimulation of the soft palate.

palmar grasp reflex

A normal reflex in a the newborn in which the baby's fingers spontaneously curl around any object placed within them and do not spontaneously let go. This reflex usually diminishes by age 3 to 4 months and disappears before age 6 months. The reflex reappears later in life in diseases that affect the frontal lobes of the brain.

palmar reflex

Swallowing induced by stimulation of the soft palate.

palmomental reflex

A contraction of the superficial muscles of the eye and chin produced on the same side as the palmar area that is stimulated by an examiner. This is an abnormal finding and indicates frontal disease.

parachute reflex

Extension of an infant's arms, hands, and fingers when the infant is suspended in the prone position and dropped a short distance onto a soft surface. This reaction appears at age 9 months and persists. An asymmetrical response indicates a motor nerve abnormality.

paradoxical reflex

Synonym: parachute response

A response to a stimulus that is unexpected and may be the opposite of what is considered normal.

patellar reflex

pathological reflex

Any abnormal reflex due to disease.

penile reflex

1. Sudden downward movement of the penis when the prepuce or gland of a completely relaxed penis is pulled upward. Synonym: Sudden downward movement of the penis when the prepuce or gland of a completely relaxed penis is pulled upward. Synonym: virile reflex

2. Contraction of the bulbocavernous muscle on percussing the dorsum of the penis. Synonym: Contraction of the bulbocavernous muscle on percussing the dorsum of the penis. Synonym: virile reflex

3. Contraction of the bulbocavernous muscle resulting from compression of the glans penis. Synonym: Contraction of the bulbocavernous muscle resulting from compression of the glans penis. Synonym: virile reflex

pharyngeal reflex

An attempt to swallow when the pharynx is stimulated.

pilomotor reflex

Piloerection when the skin is cooled or as a result of emotional reaction.

Piltz reflex

placing reflex

See: Piltz reflex

Flexion and then extension of an infant's leg that occurs when the infant is held erect and the dorsum of one foot is dragged along the underedge of a table top. This reflex lasts from birth until age 6 weeks.

plantar reflex

plantar grasp reflex

See: plantar grasp

A grasp reflex resulting from gentle stimulation of the sole of the foot. This reflex lasts from birth until age 10 months. Synonym: sole reflex

platysmal reflex

Dilation of the pupil resulting from sharp pinching of the platysma myoides.

pneocardiac reflex

A change in the rate and rhythm of the heart and blood pressure when an irritant vapor is inhaled.

pneopneic reflex

A change in respiratory depth and rate, coughing, suffocation, and pulmonary edema when an irritant vapor is inhaled.

postural reflex

Any reflex concerned with maintaining posture.

pressor reflex

A reflex in which the response to stimulation is an increase in blood pressure caused by constriction of arterioles.

proprioceptive reflex

A reflex initiated by body movement to maintain the position of the moved part; any reflex initiated by stimulation of a proprioceptor.

psychogalvanic reflex

Decreased electric resistance of the skin in response to emotional stress or stimuli.

pupillary reflex

1. Constriction of the pupil upon stimulation of the retina by light. This reflex is mediated by the third cranial nerve.

2. Constriction of the pupil upon accommodation for near vision, and dilatation upon accommodation for far vision.

3. Constriction of the pupil of one eye in response to stimulation of the other by light.

4. Constriction of the pupil upon attempted closure of eyelids that are held apart.

pupillomotor reflex

quadriceps reflex

quadrupedal reflex

Extension of the flexed arm on assuming a quadrupedal posture.

quadrupedal extensor reflex

radial reflex

Flexion of forearm resulting when the lower end of the radius is percussed.

rectal reflex

The normal desire to evacuate feces present in the rectum.

red eye reflex

red reflex

The red light reflection seen in ophthalmoscopic examination of the eye.

righting reflex

Synonym:

Any of the reflexes that enable an animal to maintain its body in a definite relationship to its head and thus maintain its body right side up.

rooting reflex

The turning of an infant's mouth toward the stimulus when the infant's cheek is stroked. This reflex is present at birth; by age 4 months it is gone when the infant is awake; by age 7 months it is gone when the infant is asleep.

Rossolimo reflex

Ruggeri reflex

scapular reflex

See: Rossolimo reflex See: Ruggeri reflex

Muscular contraction following percussion or stimulus between the scapulae.

scapulohumeral reflex

A reflex in which the upper arm is adducted and rotated outward when the vertebral border of the scapula is percussed.

Schäffer reflex

scrotal reflex

See: Schäffer reflex

Slow vermicular contraction of the scrotal muscle when the perineum is stroked or cold is applied.

segmental reflex

A reflex in which afferent impulses enter the cord in the same segment or segments from which the efferent impulses emerge.

sexual reflex

A reflex concerned with sexual activities, esp. erection and ejaculation, which results from direct genital stimulation or indirectly from emotion, whether the individual is asleep or awake.

short reflex

A reflex involving one or a few segments of the spinal cord.

simple reflex

A reflex in which only two or possibly three neurons are interposed between receptor and effector organs.

Snellen reflex

solar sneeze reflex

See: Snellen, Herman

A sneeze following exposure to bright sunlight. This reflex is and affects a great number of normal people; it may also be associated with rhinitis. The mechanism of the cause of this type of sneeze reflex is unknown.

sole reflex

somatic reflex

A reflex induced by stimulation of somatic sensory nerve endings.

spinal reflex

A reflex whose center is in the spinal cord.

startle reflex

static reflex

A reflex concerned with establishing and maintaining posture when the body is at rest.

statokinetic reflex

A reflex that occurs when the body is moving.

stepping reflex

Movements of progression elicited by holding an infant upright, inclined forward, and touching the soles of the feet to a flat surface. This reflex lasts from birth to age 6 weeks.

stretch reflex

The contraction of a muscle caused by quick stretching of that muscle. Stretch reflexes are of primary importance in the maintenance of posture.

sucking reflex

Synonym:

A sucking movement of an infant's mouth produced by stroking the lips. A primitive form of this reflex is present in the fetus by the 16th week of gestation; it is fully developed by the time of birth. In adults, the presence of a sucking reflex is an indicator of severe dementia, frontal lobe disease, or extrapyramidal diseases.

superficial reflex

A cutaneous reflex caused by irritation of the skin or of areas that depend on the spinal cord as a motor center (such as the scapular, epigastric, and plantar reflexes) or on centers in the medulla (such as the conjunctival, pupillary, and palatal reflexes). This reflex is induced by a very light stimulus, e.g., stroking the skin lightly with a soft cotton swab.

supraorbital reflex

suprapubic reflex

Deflection of the linea alba toward the stroked side when the abdomen is stroked above the inguinal ligament.

swallowing reflex

Involuntary muscular activity in the oropharynx and nasopharynx when foods, tongue depressors, or other objects stimulate the back of the throat. This reflex is mediated by the deglutition center of the medulla oblongata, i.e., by cranial nerves VII, IX, X, and XI.

symmetrical tonic neck reflex

In an infant, flexion or extension of the arms in response to flexion and extension, respectively, of the neck.

tendon reflex

A deep reflex obtained by sharply tapping the skin over the tendon of a muscle. It is exaggerated in upper neuron disease and diminished or lost in lower neuron disease.

testis compression reflex

Contraction of abdominal muscles following moderate compression of a testis.

Throckmorton reflex

toe reflex

See: Throckmorton reflex

A reflex in which strong flexion of the great toe flexes all the muscles below the knee.

tibioadductor reflex

Adduction of either the stimulated leg or the opposite one when the tibia is percussed on the inner side.

tonic labyrinthine reflex

tonic neck reflex

The ipsilateral extension and contralateral flexion of the supine infant's extremities when the head is turned to one side. This normal newborn reflex may not be evident immediately after birth; however, once it appears, it persists until about the third postnatal month. Synonym: fencing reflex

tonic vibration reflex

Abbreviation:

A polysynaptic reflex believed to depend on spinal and supraspinal pathways.

triceps reflex

elbow reflex Sharp extension of the forearm resulting from tapping of the triceps tendon while the arm is held loosely in a bent position. Synonym: elbow jerk

triceps surae reflex

true autonomic reflex

A visceral response in which afferent impulses do not pass through the central nervous system but enter prevertebral ganglia where connections are made with efferent neurons.

unconditioned reflex

A reflex that is not acquired but is natural or inherited.

urinary reflex

A spinal cord reflex, initiated by accumulated urine stretching the bladder and the resulting contraction of the bladder to expel urine.

vascular reflex

vasomotor reflex

The constriction or dilatation of a blood vessel in response to a stimulus, as in becoming pale from fright. Synonym: vascular reflex

vesical reflex

An inclination to urinate caused by moderate bladder distention.

vestibulocollic reflex

A reaction that stabilizes the position of the head according to sensory information from the labyrinth of the ear and the nerves in the neck.

virile reflex

1. Bulbocavernosus reflex.

2. Penile reflex.

visceral reflex

Any reflex induced by stimulation of the visceral nerves.

visceromotor reflex

Contraction or tenseness of the skeletal muscles resulting from painful stimuli originating in visceral organs.

viscerosensory reflex

Pain or tenderness elicited in somatic structures (skin and muscle) caused by visceral disorder.

withdrawal reflex

zygomaticreflex

See: referred pain

The movement of the lower jaw toward the percussed side when the zygomatic bone is percussed.

Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners