ABSENT REFLEX Meaning and
Definition
-
Absent reflex refers to the complete absence or lack of a specific reflex in an individual's body during a medical examination. A reflex is an involuntary reaction that occurs in response to a certain stimulus, often involving the spinal cord and the brain. It is an automatic and unconscious response that helps protect and maintain the body's equilibrium. Reflexes are typically evaluated by medical professionals to assess the functioning of the nervous system.
When the term "absent reflex" is used, it signifies the absence of a normal reflex that is expected to be present in a healthy individual. Absent reflexes may indicate a problem within the nervous system, such as nerve damage or dysfunction in the pathway that controls the reflex. It can be a result of conditions such as nerve injuries, spinal cord disorders, certain neurological diseases, or even side effects of certain medications.
To determine the absence of a reflex, a healthcare professional may perform specific tests to elicit the reflex and observe the response. Common reflexes that are evaluated include the knee jerk (patellar) reflex, the Achilles tendon reflex, or the biceps reflex. If there is no observable or measurable response to the stimulus, it is considered to be an absent reflex.
The absence of a reflex is significant as it may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires further investigation or treatment. It serves as an important diagnostic tool for healthcare professionals in assessing the integrity and functionality of the nervous system in patients.
Common Misspellings for ABSENT REFLEX
- zbsent reflex
- sbsent reflex
- wbsent reflex
- qbsent reflex
- avsent reflex
- ansent reflex
- ahsent reflex
- agsent reflex
- abaent reflex
- abzent reflex
- abxent reflex
- abdent reflex
- abeent reflex
- abwent reflex
- abswnt reflex
- abssnt reflex
- absdnt reflex
- absrnt reflex
- abs4nt reflex
- abs3nt reflex
Etymology of ABSENT REFLEX
The term "Absent Reflex" does not have a well-established etymology since it is a combination of two separate words, "absent" and "reflex", rather than a single word with a specific origin.
1. "Absent" derives from the Latin word "absens", which is the present participle of the verb "abesse", meaning "to be away" or "to be absent". It entered English in the 14th century, retaining its meaning of "not being present" or "missing".
2. "Reflex" comes from the Latin word "reflexus", the past participle of "reflectere", which means "to bend back" or "to turn back". In English, "reflex" refers to an involuntary response or action triggered by a specific stimulus.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
