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Tendon reflex is a type of reflex that is elicited by a quick tap on a tendon. The most commonly tested tendon reflex is the patellar reflex, also known as the knee-jerk reflex.

Mechanism

The tendon reflex is a monosynaptic reflex, meaning it involves a single synapse between the sensory neuron that receives the stimulus and the motor neuron that responds to it. When the tendon is tapped, it stretches the muscle to which it is attached. This stretch is detected by muscle spindles, specialized sensory receptors located within the muscle. The muscle spindles send a signal via the sensory neuron to the spinal cord, where it synapses with the motor neuron. The motor neuron then sends a signal back to the muscle, causing it to contract. This contraction is the observed reflex.

Clinical significance

Tendon reflexes are used in neurological examinations to assess the integrity of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Abnormalities in tendon reflexes can indicate damage to these structures. For example, hyperactive reflexes (reflexes that are more pronounced than normal) can indicate damage to upper motor neurons, while hypoactive or absent reflexes can indicate damage to lower motor neurons or the peripheral nerves.

See also

• Reflex
• Monosynaptic reflex
• Muscle spindle
• Neurological examination
• Spinal cord
• Peripheral nerves

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