Most reflexes protect the body. They are coordinated by nerves that go to and from the spinal cord without the brain’s direct involvement. Here are a few of them. Deep-tendon reflex: When the ...

The stretch reflex, or deep tendon reflex, is a somatic reflex that keeps muscles at a certain length. When a muscle starts to lengthen or stretch too much, this reflex triggers a muscle ...

During a reflex test, your doctor tests your deep tendon reflexes with a reflex hammer to measure your response. This test is often done during a physical exam. Quicker responses may lead to a ...

Most reflexes protect the body. They are coordinated by nerves that go to and from the spinal cord without the brain’s direct involvement. Here are a few of them. Deep-tendon reflex: When the ...

Hypothyroidism can also damage the nerves that control muscle movements, further affecting reflexes. Testing for Woltman’s sign involves assessing the deep tendon reflexes, mainly the Achilles ...

Areflexia means the absence of deep tendon reflexes. Tendons are the tight cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Typically, when you tap on a tendon, it causes the muscle to contract and ...