Abdominal reflex

An abdominal reflex is a superficial neurological reflex stimulated by stroking of the abdomen around the umbilicus. It can be helpful in determining the level of a central nervous system (CNS) lesion. Being a superficial reflex, it is polysynaptic.[1]

Roots involved

Thoracic 7th – 12th segments are involved.[2]

Absent abdominal reflex

Abdominal reflex is noted as either present or absent. An absent response can be physiological. Physiological absent response can be due to obesity, tolerance, children, multiparous lax abdominal wall. Pathological absence can be due to:[3]

Evolutionary significance

The local contraction of the abdominal muscles to an abdominal sensory stimulus was to protect the internal viscera from damage.[4]

References
  1. "Dartmouth college". Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  2. "Dartmouth college". Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  3. "Absent Abdominal Reflex". Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  4. "Abdominal Reflex Evolutionary Significance". Retrieved 5 February 2013.
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