patellar reflex
1
6.0
- noun
- /pəˈtɛl.ər rɪˈflɛks/
- Specialized
:
reflejo patelar
- A strong patellar reflex indicates good nerve function.
Examples
-
The doctor tested my patellar reflex by tapping my knee with a hammer.
-
During the examination, the physician observed my patellar reflex to check for nervous system function.
-
A brisk patellar reflex is often seen in patients with certain neurological conditions.
-
The doctor tested my patellar reflex by tapping just below my kneecap.
-
When the patellar reflex is absent, it may indicate nerve damage.
-
The doctor checked my patellar reflex during the examination.
-
The patellar reflex is a common test used to assess neurological health in patients.
Synonyms
3
4.3
Lower leg suddenly kicks out when the area below the kneecap is tapped
1
3.9
A sudden automatic kick of the lower leg when the tendon below the kneecap is tapped
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is directly compositional: 'patellar' means 'relating to the kneecap' and 'reflex' means 'an automatic bodily response', so 'patellar reflex' straightforwardly denotes an automatic response involving the kneecap (the knee-jerk). While the full clinical mechanics are technical, the basic meaning is predictable from the parts and mirrors similar medical phrasing in other languages.
Etymology
Patellar reflex comes from the kneecap: patellar refers to the patella, the 'kneecap', and reflex means an automatic response. A quick tap just below the kneecap makes the lower leg kick out, so the name describes the automatic 'kick' doctors watch to test the nerves.