Anatomy and Physiology Reflex tests review

Patellar Reflex

Tests reflex of spinal nerves L2-L4 by tapping the patellar tendon, which causes extension of the knee.

Triceps Brachii reflex

tests the reflex of spinal nerves C6-C7 by tapping the triceps tendon, resulting in extension of the elbow.

Calcaneal reflex

tests the reflex of spinal nerves S1-S2 by tapping the Achilles tendon, causing plantar flexion of the foot. `

biceps brachii refelx

tests the reflex of spinal nerves C5-C6 by tapping the biceps tendon, resulting in flexion of the elbow.

Plantar response

tests the reflex of spinal nerves L5-S1 by stroking the sole of the foot, causing flexion of the toes.

two-point touch discrimination test

assesses sensory nerve function by determining the smallest distance at which two points of contact can be felt on the skin.

warm and cold receptors test

evaluates the ability to perceive temperature changes through the skin by applying warm and cold stimuli.

mapping temperature receptors

involves identifying the distribution and sensitivity of warm and cold receptors on the skin's surface.

mapping light touch receptors

involves assessing the distribution and sensitivity of mechanoreceptors in the skin that respond to light touch stimuli.

adaptation of touch

refers to the process by which sensory receptors become less responsive to constant stimuli over time, allowing the body to ignore unchanging sensations.

locating a stimulus with proprioception

is the ability to perceive the position and movement of one's body parts through sensory input from muscles and joints.

temperature judgment

is the ability to assess and differentiate temperature sensations through thermal receptors in the skin, allowing individuals to perceive hot and cold stimuli.

Cranial Nerve 5 test

assesses the function of the trigeminal nerve (Ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular) which is responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. You should be able to feel the sensation bilaterally and in each part of the nerve.

Mapping the tongue

is a method used to assess taste sensation by identifying specific areas of the tongue that correspond to different taste modalities, including sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

Olfactory discrimination

is the ability to identify and differentiate between various odors using the olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity.

Adaptation to smell

refers to the process by which the sensitivity to a constant odor decreases over time, allowing the olfactory system to become less responsive to that specific scent.

visual tracking

is the ability to follow a moving object with the eyes, maintaining focus and coordination of eye movements.

Determination of the near point

is a test that measures the closest point at which an object can be clearly seen, assessing the eye's ability to focus on near objects.

measurement of the distribution of rods and cones

in the retina, which assesses visual acuity and color perception.

measurement of binocular vision field

is an assessment of how well both eyes work together to perceive visual information and depth, often tested using various visual field tests.

Measurement of visual acuity

is a test that evaluates the clarity or sharpness of vision, typically measured using an eye chart to determine the smallest letters that can be read at a specific distance.

Astigmatism

is a common vision condition caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Pupillary Reactions

refer to the responses of the pupils to light and accommodation, indicating the function of the optic nerve and the brain's ability to process visual stimuli.

afterimages

are visual illusions that occur after the original stimulus is removed, caused by the temporary overstimulation of photoreceptors in the retina.

Determination of the blind spot test

is a test used to evaluate the area on the retina where the optic nerve exits, which is devoid of photoreceptors and thus cannot detect light.

Cardinal Fields of Gaze

refer to the six positions of gaze that test the extraocular muscles and cranial nerve function.

Weber Test

test that uses a tuning fork to determine if a patient has conductive or sensorineural hearing loss: tuning fork placed in the midline of the forehead to compare sound lateralization in both ears.

Rinne Test

is a hearing test that compares air conduction to bone conduction through the use of a tuning fork.

Sound location test

is a test that assesses a person's ability to identify the location of a sound source, often used to evaluate auditory processing and spatial awareness.

Postural reflex

is a reflex that helps maintain body posture and balance by adjusting muscle tone and positioning in response to changes in body position.

Baranys test

is a test used to evaluate the vestibular system by assessing eye movements in response to head movements, often involving the use of caloric stimulation.