Question

Match the following spinal reflex with its description: plantar reflex. answer unselected causes muscle contraction in response to increased muscle length

- a complex spinal reflex important in maintaining balance
- initiated by a painful stimulus and causes automatic withdrawal of the threatened part
- important in the large extensor muscles that sustain upright posture and in postural muscles of the trunk
- tests the integrity of the spinal cord from l4 to s2; causes a downward flexion of the toes unselected i don't know yet

Answer 1

The plantar reflex is a spinal reflex that tests the integrity of the spinal cord and causes a downward flexion of the toes. It is important for maintaining upright posture and is commonly tested in newborn infants and neurological examinations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The plantar reflex is a spinal reflex that tests the integrity of the spinal cord from L4 to S2 and causes a downward flexion of the toes. It is important in the large extensor muscles that sustain upright posture and in postural muscles of the trunk. This reflex can be elicited by stroking the sole of the foot.

For example, when an infant's foot is stroked along the plantar surface, they would present a positive Babinski sign, where the foot dorsiflexes and the toes extend and splay out. As they learn to walk, the plantar reflex changes to cause curling of the toes and a moderate plantar flexion.

The plantar reflex is commonly tested in newborn infants to establish the presence of neuromuscular function, as well as in the neurological examination of adults to assess spinal cord integrity.