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Related Concept Videos

Reflex Activity01:08

Reflex Activity

A reflex activity is an automatic, involuntary response to specific stimuli. It is a part of our survival mechanism, designed to protect us from potential harm. For example, when a bright light suddenly shines into our eyes, we instinctively close them or look away. This is a simple reflex activity orchestrated by the nervous system without conscious thought or effort.
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...
Somatic Spinal Reflexes01:22

Somatic Spinal Reflexes

Somatic spinal reflexes are rapid, involuntary muscular responses to external stimuli that involve the somatic musculature and the spinal cord.
One of the most well-known somatic spinal reflexes is the stretch reflex, which is activated by the sudden stretching of a muscle. This reflex involves the activation of specialized sensory receptors called muscle spindles, which are located in the muscle tissue and detect changes in the length and speed of muscle contractions. When a muscle is suddenly...
The Micturition Reflex01:26

The Micturition Reflex

Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
Autonomic Nervous System01:22

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a critical component of the peripheral nervous system, primarily responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. It functions in tandem with the central nervous system (CNS) to seamlessly coordinate various physiological processes without the need for conscious control.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla01:21

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

The medulla oblongata is a crucial part of the brainstem responsible for controlling various autonomic and involuntary functions. It contains several nuclei, including the olivary, cuneate, gracile, and solitary nuclei.
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...
Pathophysiology of Vomiting01:22

Pathophysiology of Vomiting

Vomiting is a complex physiological response to expel harmful or irritating substances from the body. It's a defensive mechanism triggered by stimuli like poisons, microbial toxins, cytotoxic drugs, and mechanical abdominal distension. The process is centrally coordinated by the vomiting (or emetic) center located in the medulla of the brainstem. This area, rich in muscarinic M1, histamine H1, neurokinin 1 (NK1), and serotonin 5-HT3 receptors, coordinates the act of vomiting through interaction...

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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Neurodevelopmental Reflex Testing in Neonatal Rat Pups
09:35

Neurodevelopmental Reflex Testing in Neonatal Rat Pups

Published on: April 24, 2017

Reflexes in psychiatry.

Richard D Sanders1, Paulette Marie Gillig

  • 1Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA.

Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience
|June 4, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This review covers muscle stretch, pathological, and primitive reflexes in psychiatric patients. Understanding these neurologic signs aids in diagnosing conditions when patients cannot fully cooperate.

Keywords:
Babinski reflexChaddock reflexPsychiatry and neurologydeep tendon reflexesgrasp reflexneurologic examinationpalmomental reflex

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Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
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Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex

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Last Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Neurodevelopmental Reflex Testing in Neonatal Rat Pups
09:35

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Published on: April 24, 2017

Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
06:04

Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex

Published on: July 4, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Psychiatric patients may exhibit limited cooperation during neurologic examinations.
  • Reflexes are objective neurologic signs that are difficult for patients to consciously control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review muscle stretch (deep tendon) reflexes and pathological reflexes, including the extensor plantar (Babinski) reflex and primitive release reflexes.
  • To discuss the utility of these reflexes in common psychiatric and neurologic conditions.
  • To describe methods for eliciting these important neurologic signs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of muscle stretch reflexes, pathological reflexes (e.g., Babinski sign), and primitive reflexes.
  • Discussion of clinical findings associated with psychiatric and neurologic disorders.
  • Description of techniques for eliciting reflex responses.

Main Results:

  • Muscle stretch reflexes and pathological reflexes provide valuable objective data in neurologic assessments.
  • Abnormal reflexes can indicate underlying neurologic dysfunction in psychiatric patients.
  • Primitive reflexes may be observed in certain neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Neurologic reflexes are crucial diagnostic tools, especially in psychiatric patients with limited cooperation.
  • Familiarity with eliciting and interpreting reflexes aids in the differential diagnosis of neurologic and psychiatric conditions.
  • The presence or absence of specific reflexes can inform diagnostic and management strategies.