| patellar retinaculum | Extensions of the aponeuroses of the vasti medialis and lateralis muscles which pass on each side of the patella, attaching to the margins of the patella and patellar ligament anteriorly, the collateral ligaments posteriorly and the tibial condyles distally; form the anteromedial and (with the fibrous expansion of the iliotibial tract) the anteromedial portions of the fibrous capsule of the knee. See: lateral patellar retinaculum, medial patellar retinaculum. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| patellar surface of femur | The groove formed anteriorly between the anterosuperior portions of the femoral condyles that accommodates the patella. Synonym: facies patellaris femoris, trochlea femoris. (05 Mar 2000) |
| patellar tendon | <anatomy> The tendon which connects the quadriceps muscle to the tibia, providing extension at the knee joint. (27 Sep 1997) |
| medial patellar retinaculum | Part of the aponeurosis of the vastus medialis muscle passing medial to the patella to attach to the medial condyle of the tibia, forming the anteromedial aspect of the fibrous capsule of the knee joint. Synonym: retinaculum patellae mediale. (05 Mar 2000) |
| lateral patellar retinaculum | Part of the aponeurosis of the vastus lateralis muscle passing lateral to the patella to attach to the tibial tuberosity. Synonym: retinaculum patellae laterale. (05 Mar 2000) |
| abdominocardiac reflex | Mechanical stimulation (usually distention) of abdominal viscera causing changes (usually a slowing) in the heart rate or the occurrence of extrasystoles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Abrams' heart reflex | A contraction of the myocardium when the skin of the precordial region is irritated. (05 Mar 2000) |
| accommodation reflex | Increased convexity of the lens, due to contraction of the ciliary muscle and relaxation of the suspensory ligament, to maintain a distinct retinal image. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Achilles reflex | A contraction of the calf muscles when the tendo calcaneus is sharply struck. Synonym: ankle jerk, ankle reflex, tendo Achillis reflex, triceps surae reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acousticopalpebral reflex | A form of the wink reflex in which there is a contraction, sometimes very slight, of the orbicularis palpebrarum muscle when a sudden noise is made close to the ear; it is absent in labyrinthine disease with total deafness. Synonym: acousticopalpebral reflex, auropalpebral reflex, cochleo-orbicular reflex, startle reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acquired reflex | A reflex that is gradually developed by training and association through the frequent repetition of a definite stimulus. See: conditioning. Synonym: acquired reflex, behaviour reflex, trained reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acromial reflex | Contraction of the biceps muscle caused by a tap on the acromion or the coracoid process. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acute reflex bone atrophy | Atrophy of bones, commonly of the carpal or tarsal bones, following a slight injury such as a sprain. See: causalgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Synonym: acute reflex bone atrophy, posttraumatic osteoporosis, Sudeck's syndrome. Origin: L. English sweat (05 Mar 2000) |
| adductor reflex | Contraction of the adductors of the thigh caused by tapping the tendon of the adductor magnus muscle while the thigh is abducted. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anal reflex | Contraction of the internal sphincter gripping the finger passed into the rectum. (05 Mar 2000) |