| decerebrate reflex | <neurology, physiology> Spontaneous extension of elbows, wrists and legs which suggests damage to the diencephalon (midbrain). Seen in cases of stroke and some cases of encephalitis. The decerebrate reflex is a clinical finding characterised by rigid contraction of the extensor and other muscles which maintain an animal in the standing position (antigravity muscles), may be seen in association with a severe stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, cerebral haemorrhage, cerebral toxin or transection of the brain below the level of the anterior corpora quadrigemina but above the vestibular nuclei, clinically may be preceded by decortication. (27 Sep 1997) |
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| decorticate reflex | <neurology, physiology> Spontaneous flexion of the elbows with the legs extended. Accompanies severe damage to the contralateral cerebral hemisphere above the midbrain (for example stroke). The destruction of the cerebral cortex, usually due to anoxia, trauma or toxic insult, may proceed to decerebration (a more severe neurologic state). (27 Sep 1997) |
| supination reflex | With the arm supinated to 45 |
| supinator reflex | With the arm supinated to 45 |
| deep reflex | An involuntary muscular contraction following percussion of a tendon or bone. Synonym: jerk. (05 Mar 2000) |
| defense reflex | Automatic reactions of an animal, e.g., raising of hair or feathers, dilation of the pupils, or baring of claws, when alarmed. (05 Mar 2000) |
| supraorbital reflex | Contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle induced by tapping the supraorbital nerve. Synonym: McCarthy's reflexes, trigeminofacial reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| suprapatellar reflex | The patella rises when a tap is given on the quadriceps tendon above the patella. (05 Mar 2000) |
| supraumbilical reflex | A contraction of the upper portion of the rectus abdominis muscle when the skin of the epigastrium above is scratched. Synonym: supraumbilical reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| deglutition reflex | The act of swallowing (second stage) induced by stimulation of the palate, fauces, or posterior pharyngeal wall. Synonym: deglutition reflex, pharyngeal reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Dejerine's reflex | Clonic contractions of the flexors of the hand (wrist) on tapping the dorsum of the hand or the volar side of the forearm near the wrist; occurs in normal persons but is exaggerated in pyramidal tract lesions. Synonym: Dejerine's reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| delayed reflex | A reflex in which a little time elapses between stimulus and response. See: trace conditioned reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| swallowing reflex | The act of swallowing (second stage) induced by stimulation of the palate, fauces, or posterior pharyngeal wall. Synonym: deglutition reflex, pharyngeal reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sympathetic reflex dystrophy | A syndrome of pain and tenderness, usually to a hand or foot, associated with vasomotor instability, skin changes and rapid development of bony demineralisation (osteoporosis). Frequently will follow a localised trauma, stroke or peripheral nerve injury. (27 Sep 1997) |
| synchronous reflex | Subsidiary reflex actions occurring in association with the main or leading reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |