Peripheral Nervous System Experiments

Reflex Tests

A. Somatic Reflexes:

Locate the following superficial tendons: Patellar, Achilles, and Triceps. Have the subject seated, with feet dangling over the edge, not touching the floor. Using the rubber portion of a medium size spatula (long firm side) or reflex hammer, gently tap these tendons and note their response. Repeat on both sides. Are there any differences between the two sides? What nerves are being tested when these tendons are stimulated ? What would hyper-reflexia indicate ? What would hypo-reflexia indicate?

 

B. Cranial Nerve Reflexes:

Have the subject open their jaw and stick out their tongue. Using a popsickle stick or tongue depressor, push down on the tongue to initiate a gag reflex. What Cranial Nerves are used to perform this test ?

 

C. Autonomic Nervous System Reflexes:

Have the subject sit in a darkened room. Using a small flashlight, shine the light in their eyes and note the pupillary response of each eye and both eyes together. Does the pupil get smaller or larger ? Which part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for constricting pupils and which is responsible for dilating pupils ?