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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The triceps reflex, a deep tendon reflex, is a reflex that elicits involuntary contraction of the triceps brachii muscle. It is sensed and transmitted by the radial nerve.[1] The reflex is tested as part of the neurological examination to assess the sensory and motor pathways within the C7 and C8 spinal nerves.[2]
The test can be performed by tapping the triceps tendon[3][note 1] with the sharp end of a reflex hammer while the forearm is hanging loose at a right angle to the arm. A sudden contraction of the triceps muscle causes extension,[note 2] and indicates a normal reflex.[4][5]
The arc involves the stretch receptors in the triceps tendon, from where the information travels along the radial nerve, through the C7/C8 nerve root to the spinal cord, and the motor signal for contraction returns through the radial nerve.[note 3]
An absence of reflex can be an indicator of several medical conditions: Myopathy, neuropathy, spondylosis, sensory nerve disease, neuritis, potential lower motor neuron lesion, or poliomyelitis.[6]
Other medical problems that may cause irregular reflexes include Hyperthyroidism.
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