How Do You Spell TRICEPS REFLEX?

Pronunciation: [tɹˈa͡ɪsɛps ɹˈiːflɛks] (IPA)

The triceps reflex, also known as the triceps brachii reflex, is a medical term used to describe a reflex action in the upper limb. It is tested by tapping the triceps tendon below the elbow, resulting in a contraction of the triceps muscle. The word "triceps" is pronounced /traɪ'sɛps/ in IPA, with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling of "reflex" is straightforward, but the phonetic transcription is /ˈriːflɛks/, with the stress on the second syllable. Understanding the IPA can help healthcare professionals accurately spell and pronounce medical terminology.

TRICEPS REFLEX Meaning and Definition

1. The triceps reflex is a neurological reflex that is elicited by tapping the tendon of the triceps muscle, which is a large muscle located at the back of the upper arm. It is one of the deep tendon reflexes that are commonly tested during a physical examination.

   The triceps reflex is mediated by the C7 and C8 nerve roots, which are part of the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that supply the upper limbs. When the tendon of the triceps muscle is tapped, it stretches the muscle spindle, which is a sensory receptor. This sensory input is then conveyed to the spinal cord through the nerve fibers, where it eventually synapses with the motor neurons.

   Upon receiving the sensory input, the spinal cord initiates a reflex response, causing the triceps muscle to contract. This contraction is a protective response aimed at preventing overstretching or injury to the muscle. The resulting movement is a subtle extension of the elbow joint.

   The triceps reflex provides valuable information about the integrity and function of the nerves and spinal cord in the upper limb. Abnormal findings, such as an absent or exaggerated reflex, can indicate various neurological conditions or injuries, such as nerve compression, nerve root impingement, or spinal cord damage. Healthcare professionals often use the triceps reflex alongside other reflex tests to help diagnose and evaluate these conditions.

2. Elbow-jerk, a sudden contraction of the triceps muscle caused by a smart tap on its tendon when the forearm hangs loosely at a right angle with the arm.

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

Common Misspellings for TRICEPS REFLEX

• triceps reflmx
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• triceps reflgx
• triceps refle8
• triceps refleh
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• tri ceps reflex
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• triceps r eflex
• triceps re flex
• triceps ref lex
• triceps refl ex
• triceps refle x

Etymology of TRICEPS REFLEX

The word "triceps reflex" is derived from the combination of two different terms, "triceps" and "reflex".

1. Triceps: The term "triceps" comes from the Latin word "triceps", which means "three-headed". It refers to a muscle in the human body located on the back of the upper arm. The triceps muscle is formed by three muscle heads: the long head, the medial head, and the lateral head.

2. Reflex: The term "reflex" originates from the Latin word "reflexus", which means "bent back" or "reflected". It is used to describe an involuntary response to a stimulus, where the reaction is immediate and automatic. Reflexes are actions that happen without conscious thought, often serving to protect the body from harm.