Biceps reflex

Biological: Behavioural genetics · Evolutionary psychology · Neuroanatomy · Neurochemistry · Neuroendocrinology · Neuroscience · Psychoneuroimmunology · Physiological Psychology · Psychopharmacology (Index, Outline)

Biceps reflex is a reflex test that examines the function of the C5 reflex arc and the C6 reflex arc.^[1] The test is performed by using a tendon hammer to quickly depress the biceps brachii tendon^[2] as it passes through the cubital fossa. Specifically, the test activates the stretch receptors inside the biceps brachii muscle which communicates mainly with the C5 spinal nerve and partially with the C6 spinal nerve to induce a reflex contraction of the biceps muscle and jerk of the forearm.

A strong contraction indicates a 'brisk' reflex, and a weak or absent reflex is known as 'diminished'. Brisk or absent reflexes are used as clues to the location of neurological disease. Typically brisk reflexes are found in lesions of upper motor neurones, and absent or reduced reflexes are found in lower motor neurone lesions.

A change to the biceps reflex indicates pathology at the level of musculocutaneous nerve, segment C5/6 or at some point above it in the spinal cord or brain.

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↑ William J. Weiner (30 July 2010). Neurology for the Non-Neurologist, 499–, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. URL accessed 4 July 2011.
↑ Jane M. Orient (2009). Sapira's Art and Science of Bedside Diagnosis, 570–, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. URL accessed 4 July 2011.

[Weiner2010-1] William J. Weiner (30 July 2010). Neurology for the Non-Neurologist, 499–, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. URL accessed 4 July 2011.

[Orient2009-2] Jane M. Orient (2009). Sapira's Art and Science of Bedside Diagnosis, 570–, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. URL accessed 4 July 2011.

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v·d·e Nervous system physiology: neurophysiology - reflex
Cranial nerve	midbrain: Pupillary light reflex • Accommodation reflex pons/medulla: Jaw jerk reflex • Corneal reflex • Caloric reflex test/Vestibulo-ocular reflex/Oculocephalic reflex • Pharyngeal (gag) reflex
Stretch reflexes	upper limb: Biceps reflex C5/C6 • Brachioradialis reflex C6 • Triceps reflex C7/C8 lower limb: Patellar reflex L2-L4 • Ankle jerk reflex S1/S2 • Plantar reflex L5-S2
Primitive reflexes	Galant • Gastrocolic • Grasp • Moro • Rooting • Stepping • Sucking • Tonic neck • Parachute
Superficial reflexes	Abdominal reflex • Cremasteric reflex
Lists	general • alphabetical • by organ
Cardiovascular	Bainbridge reflex • Bezold-Jarisch reflex • Coronary reflex • Mammalian diving reflex • Oculocardiac reflex Baroreflex: Reflex bradycardia • Reflex tachycardia Respiratory: Churchill-Cope reflex
Other	Acoustic reflex • H-reflex • Golgi tendon reflex • Optokinetic • Startle reaction • Withdrawal reflex (Crossed extensor reflex)

Biceps reflex

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