How Do You Spell MANDIBULAR REFLEX?

Pronunciation: [mandˈɪbjʊlə ɹˈiːflɛks] (IPA)

The mandibular reflex is an important neurological response that involves the movement of the jaw in response to a stimulus. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /mænˈdɪbjʊlər ˈrɛflɛks/. The first part of the word, "mandibular," is pronounced with the short "a" sound (/æ/) and emphasizes the syllable "man." The second part, "reflex," is pronounced with the long "e" sound (/i/) and emphasizes the syllable "flex." Overall, the spelling of the word accurately reflects its pronunciation.

MANDIBULAR REFLEX Meaning and Definition

1. Mandibular reflex refers to an involuntary response or reaction that occurs when the muscles associated with the jaw and lower mouth are stimulated. This reflex is also commonly known as the jaw jerk reflex or the masseter reflex.

   The mandibular reflex involves the stretch and contraction of the muscles responsible for biting and chewing, primarily the masseter muscle. When the area just below the patient's lower lip is lightly tapped, it initiates a quick and involuntary jerking movement of the mandible (lower jaw). This jerking movement is caused by the activation of the sensory receptors, known as muscle spindles, within the masseter muscle, which detect the sudden stretch. The sensory information collected is then transmitted to the central nervous system, specifically the brainstem, which in turn triggers the appropriate motor response causing the jaw to rapidly close and then slightly open again.

   Examination of the mandibular reflex is often conducted by medical professionals, particularly neurologists, to evaluate the functionality of the patient's nervous system, specifically the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) and the corresponding neural connections. Any abnormality in the reflex response, such as an exaggerated or absent reflex, can provide valuable diagnostic information about the condition of the patient, potentially indicating neurological disorders or damage along the neural pathways involved in the reflex arc.

2. Jaw r.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for MANDIBULAR REFLEX

• nandibular reflex
• kandibular reflex
• jandibular reflex
• mzndibular reflex
• msndibular reflex
• mwndibular reflex
• mqndibular reflex
• mabdibular reflex
• mamdibular reflex
• majdibular reflex
• mahdibular reflex
• mansibular reflex
• manxibular reflex
• mancibular reflex
• manfibular reflex
• manribular reflex
• maneibular reflex
• mandubular reflex
• mandjbular reflex
• mandkbular reflex

Etymology of MANDIBULAR REFLEX

The etymology of the word "mandibular" can be traced back to Latin. The term "mandibula" in Latin means "lower jaw" or "jawbone". It is derived from the verb "mandere", which means "to chew".

The word "reflex" has its roots in Latin as well, coming from the term "reflexus", which means "to bend back" or "to reverse". It is derived from the verb "reflectere", which means "to bend back" or "to turn back".

Therefore, the term "mandibular reflex" refers to a reflex or automatic response that involves the lower jaw or jawbone.