Question

Which of the following reflexes tests the integrity of the spinal cord from L4 to S2?

a. stroking the skin of the lateral abdomen
b. drawing a blunt object downward along the lateral aspect of the foot causes downward curling of the toes
c. striking the patellar ligament with reflex hammer
d. Contraction of the muscles of the anterior compartment of the thigh while the posterior compartment muscle relaxes
e. lifting a cut foot if you step on a piece of glass

Answer 1

The plantar reflex, elicited by stroking the sole of the foot, checks the integrity of the spinal cord segments L4 to S2. Downward curling of the toes represents a healthy response.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reflex that tests the integrity of the spinal cord from L4 to S2 is option b, drawing a blunt object downward along the lateral aspect of the foot causes downward curling of the toes. This reflex is known as the plantar reflex and is important for assessing the neurological function of the spinal segments in question. When the sole of the foot is stimulated, the normal response in an adult is the curling of the toes (a negative Babinski sign), which indicates proper functioning of the corticospinal tracts as well as the spinal cord segments L4 to S2.