Lexic.us

Definition of Knee-jerk reflex

1. Noun. A reflex extension of the leg resulting from a sharp tap on the patellar tendon.

Medical Definition of Knee-jerk reflex

1. A sudden contraction of the anterior muscles of the thigh, caused by a smart tap on the patellar tendon while the leg hangs loosely at a right angle with the thigh. Synonym: knee jerk, knee phenomenon, knee reflex, knee-jerk reflex, patellar tendon reflex, quadriceps reflex. (05 Mar 2000)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Knee-jerk Reflex

Literary usage of Knee-jerk reflex

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Spondylotherapy: Physio and Pharmaco-therapy and Diagnostic Methods Based on by Albert Abrams (1918)
"4, shows that the quadriceps reflex (central vertebral reflex) corresponds practically to the same site. *The knee-jerk reflex arc is made up of ..."

2. Elements of Human Psychology by Howard Crosby Warren (1922)
"This is the natural knee-jerk reflex. In certain experiments it was arranged to strike the knee with a hammer held and operated by mechanical devices so as ..."

3. Spondylotherapy; Spinal Concussion and the Application of Other Methods to by Albert Abrams (1910)
"4, shows that the quadriceps reflex (central vertebral reflex) corresponds practically to the same site. *The knee-jerk reflex arc is made up of ..."

4. Anemia and Resuscitation: An Experimental and Clinical Research by George Washington Crile (1914)
"This hypertonicity always immediately followed the reappearance of the knee-jerk. Reflex muscular movements, the result of skin or tendon stimulation, ..."

5. Irritability: A Physiological Analysis of the General Effect of Stimuli in by Max Verworn (1913)
"Dodge* found a refrac- -* tory period in the knee jerk reflex of man. Gotch and Burch* showed, by two induction shocks following each other in quick ..."

6. Neurosyphilis by Elmer Ernest Southard, Harry Caesar Solomon (1917)
"It is clear that, whatever inhibitory influence these pyramidal tracts have been exerting up to this time upon the knee-jerk reflex arc, that influence is ..."

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