Question 1

Which of the following best describes an inborn somatic reflex?

Accepted Answer

A rapid, predictable, and involuntary motor response to a stimulus

Question 2

A patient presents with exaggerated knee-jerk reflexes. Which of the following is the most likely implication?

Accepted Answer

Degeneration or pathology of specific regions of the nervous system

Question 3

Which spinal nerves are primarily tested by the ankle (Achilles) reflex?

Accepted Answer

S1

Question 4

During the patellar reflex test, which muscle group contracts and which is inhibited?

Accepted Answer

Quadriceps contract; hamstrings are inhibited

Question 5

A patient demonstrates dorsiflexion of the great toe and fanning of the other toes when the sole of the foot is stroked. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Babinski's sign, indicative of neurologic impairment

Question 6

Which of the following is the correct sequence of elements in a somatic reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Integration center → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 7

Which reflex is tested by briskly tapping the patellar tendon just below the kneecap?

Accepted Answer

Knee (patellar) reflex

Question 8

If a patient has a diminished biceps reflex, which spinal nerves may be affected?

Accepted Answer

C5 and C6

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the brain must be continually informed of the current state of the muscles?

Accepted Answer

To coordinate movement and maintain posture

Question 10

A patient is unable to elicit a response during the deep tendon reflex test at the ankle. Which pathway is most likely interrupted?

Accepted Answer

Afferent or efferent pathway

Question 11

Which of the following is a learned or acquired reflex?

Accepted Answer

Driving a car

Question 12

Which clinical test is used to assess the integrity of the spinal cord from T8-T12?

Accepted Answer

Abdominal reflex

Question 13

During the stretch reflex, what is the role of reciprocal inhibition?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of the antagonist muscle to allow contraction of the stretched muscle

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the flexor (withdrawal) reflex?

Accepted Answer

Automatic withdrawal of a body part from a painful stimulus

Question 15

A patient’s abdominal reflex is absent. Which of the following could be a reason for this finding?

Accepted Answer

Obesity masking the muscular contraction

Question 16

Which equation best represents the relationship between the frequency of sensory neuron impulses ($$f) $$and the degree of muscle stretch ($$s$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$f \propto s$$

Question 17

Which of the following reflex grades suggests a nervous system disease due to hyperactivity and clonus?

Accepted Answer

+4

Question 18

During the brachioradialis reflex test, what is the expected normal response?

Accepted Answer

Flexion and supination of the forearm

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a component of the somatic reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral cortex

Question 20

A patient’s triceps reflex is diminished. Which spinal nerves should be evaluated for possible damage?

Accepted Answer

C6 and C7

Somatic and Spinal Reflexes: Structure, Function, and Clinical Assessment

Study Guide - Practice Questions