Identify the reference
Weighted head with a rubber contact surface. Handle allows a controlled swing. Different patterns include Taylor and Queen Square designs
MEDIVEERSETHE PRACTICAL HUBLOOK CLOSELY / UNDERSTAND CLEARLY
Reflex testing in limb assessment
Identify a reflex hammer and explain its role in a limb neurological examination.
REFERENCE GALLERY1 / 1 reference
1
Rubber head
Rubber head: located on the reference instrument. Compare its shape and position with the apparatus used in your practical.
Zoom in, then drag to inspect. Keyboard: + / − to zoom, arrows to pan, 0 to reset. Tap the numbered markers to explore parts.
Reflex hammer — reference view
Image: Samir at English Wikipedia · Source / original · CC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP; original colours retained.
Identify and explain
A tendon tap briefly stretches muscle spindles and activates the stretch-reflex pathway.
- Weighted head with a rubber contact surface
- Handle allows a controlled swing
- Different patterns include Taylor and Queen Square designs
Explain the measurement
A tendon tap briefly stretches muscle spindles and activates the stretch-reflex pathway.
Interpret in context
Reflexes are assessed alongside sensation, power and other findings; they do not replace a full neurovascular assessment.
At the viva table
Try answering aloud, then open the suggested answer. Examiner questions vary.
01 / What is the principal afferent for a tendon jerk?
Group Ia afferents from muscle spindles.
02 / Which spinal segments are mainly tested by the knee jerk?
L2–L4, particularly L4, through the femoral nerve.
03 / Which segments are mainly tested by the ankle jerk?
S1–S2, particularly S1, through the tibial nerve.
04 / Why compare both sides?
Symmetry and the broader clinical pattern help interpret the response.