The nasomental reflex is a reflexive contraction of the mentalis muscle in response to the stimulation of the nasal mucosa. The spelling of nasomental reflex can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. "Nasomental" is pronounced as /neɪzəʊˈmɛnt(ə)l/ with the emphasis on the second syllable. "Reflex" is pronounced as /ˈriːflɛks/. This reflex is used to diagnose neurological disorders and is a useful indicator of brainstem functions in patients. Proper spelling and pronunciation of medical terms are crucial for effective communication among healthcare professionals.
The nasomental reflex is a sensory reflex that involves the connection and interaction between the nasal nerve endings and the mental nerve, as well as the muscles associated with the movement of the nose and mouth. This reflex is triggered by the stimulation of the nasal nerve endings, which sends signals to the mental nerve, resulting in the contraction of the muscles responsible for the movement of the nose and mouth.
When the nasomental reflex is activated, it typically produces a noticeable and involuntary movement of the nose and upper lip. This reflex is commonly observed in infants and is often seen during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, as the stimulation of the nasal nerves during feeding causes the contraction of the muscles involved in suckling and swallowing.
The nasomental reflex is an innate response that aids in the basic functions of feeding and respiration. It facilitates the coordination of muscle movements required for efficient sucking, swallowing, and breathing. This reflex is considered a normal and healthy physiological response in newborns and infants.
However, in some cases, abnormal or exaggerated nasomental reflexes may be observed. These abnormal reflexes can be associated with certain neurological conditions or disorders, such as infantile spasms or developmental delays. In such cases, further investigation and medical evaluation may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal reflex responses.
Contraction of the mentalis muscle following a tap on the side of the nose.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "nasomental reflex" is a compound word made up of two roots: "naso" and "mental".
- "Naso" is derived from the Latin word "nasus", meaning "nose".
- "Mental" is derived from the Latin word "mentum", meaning "chin".
The word "reflex" originates from the Latin word "reflexus", which means "bent back" or "recoil". In medical terminology, a reflex refers to an involuntary response to a stimulus.
Therefore, the etymology of "nasomental reflex" can be understood as a reflex or response involving the connection between the nose (naso) and the chin (mental).