plantar reflex

Thân thiện

The doctor tests the plantar reflex by stroking the sole of the foot.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific neurological reflex: The plantar reflex is an involuntary response elicited by stroking the sole of the foot. In a typical adult, this stimulation causes a downward flexion (curling) of the toes. An abnormal response, such as upward extension of the big toe, can indicate neurological issues.

Usage

• The plantar reflex is a standard test performed during a neurological examination.
• It is used to assess the integrity of the central nervous system, specifically the corticospinal tract.
• The nature of the response changes with normal development; it is one method to distinguish between normal and potentially pathological neurological states.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor checked the infant's plantar reflex to ensure proper neurological development.
  • An abnormal plantar reflex, like the Babinski sign, can be a clue to underlying spinal cord or brain dysfunction.

Advanced Usage

• "To elicit the plantar reflex": To perform the specific action (stroking the sole) to trigger the response.
  • The neurologist used a key to gently elicit the plantar reflex.
• The Babinski reflex or Babinski sign is the name for the abnormal, infant-type response (toe extension) when found in adults or older children.

Variants and Related Words

• Babinski reflex (n): The normal response in infants under two years, characterized by extension and fanning of the toes upon stimulation of the sole. When this pattern persists or reappears in older individuals, it is called the Babinski sign and is considered abnormal.
• Plantar (adj): Relating to the sole of the foot.
  • Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain.

Synonyms

• Bottom-of-the-foot reflex: A descriptive, non-technical synonym.
• Cutaneous plantar reflex: A more precise term indicating it is a skin (cutaneous) reflex from the sole.

Related Phrases

• "A positive Babinski": In clinical terminology for patients over two years old, this phrase indicates an abnormal plantar reflex where the big toe extends upward.
  • The patient's positive Babinski was concerning to the medical team.
• "A normal plantar response": Indicates the toes flexed downward as expected in a healthy adult.

Học thuật

Noun

1. flexion of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front in persons over the age of 2 years; under 2 years the results should be extension of the toes (Babinski reflex)