Abdominal reflexes[edit | edit source]

Abdominal reflexes are equipped by scraping with a sharp object (eg a broken spatula, a pin is not currently recommended for the possibility of infection ) on the abdomen in three levels with different sensitive innervation, while the physiological response is local contraction of the abdominal wall. When the examination is repeated, the reflex is exhausted and habituated.

According to the root innervation, there are:

.
epigastric reflex (Th7, Th8) - equipped with irritation of the upper third of the abdomen bilaterally;
mesogastric reflex (Th9, Th10) - equipped with irritation of the middle third of the abdomen bilaterally;
hypogastric reflex (Th11, Th12) - equipped with irritation of the lower third of the abdomen bilaterally.

Reflexes may be absent in patients with a weak abdominal wall. Abdominal skin reflexes disappear with damage to the pyramidal pathway and multiple sclerosis . Hyperreflexia is found in patients with cerebral palsy or root irritation of the relevant segment.

In addition to these reflexes, a summation reflex can be judged , which, unlike the previous ones, is equipped with a hammer tap on the lower ribs. The physiological response is abdominal wall contraction.

Abdominal reflexes - physiological finding (Center for Electronic Education 1.LF UK)