patellar reflex

a reflex in which tapping the tendon beneath the knee causes an upward kick of the leg. Also called knee-jerk reflex.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

tendon reflex

the automatic contraction of a muscle elicited by stretching a tendon. Such reflexes are mediated by tendon stretch detectors, called Golgi tendon organs. An example of a tendon reflex is the patellar reflex, elicited by tapping or stretching the patellar tendon just below the kneecap. Also called deep reflex.