Superficial reflexes

Superficial reflexes are reflexes that are elicited by gentle stimuli to the skin and mucous membranes. They are used in neurological examination to assess the integrity of the sensory neurons and motor neurons involved in the reflex arc.

Types of Superficial Reflexes

There are several types of superficial reflexes, including:

• Abdominal reflex: This reflex is elicited by stroking the skin of the abdomen. The normal response is a contraction of the abdominal muscles and deviation of the umbilicus towards the stimulus.

• Cremasteric reflex: This reflex is elicited by lightly stroking the upper inner thigh. The normal response is a rapid contraction of the cremaster muscle that pulls up the testis on the side of the stimulus.

• Bulbocavernosus reflex: This reflex is elicited by squeezing the glans penis or clitoris. The normal response is a contraction of the bulbocavernosus muscle.

• Anal reflex: This reflex is elicited by stroking the skin around the anus. The normal response is a contraction of the external anal sphincter.

Clinical Significance

Superficial reflexes are used in neurological examination to assess the integrity of the sensory neurons and motor neurons involved in the reflex arc. Absence or abnormality of a superficial reflex can indicate a lesion in the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system.

For example, absence of the abdominal reflex can indicate a lesion in the thoracic spinal cord or peripheral nerves supplying the abdominal muscles. Absence of the cremasteric reflex can indicate a lesion in the lumbar spinal cord or peripheral nerves supplying the cremaster muscle.

See Also

• Deep tendon reflex
• Primitive reflexes
• Neurological examination