<P> Striking the patellar tendon with a reflex hammer just below the patella stretches the muscle spindle in the quadriceps muscle . This produces a signal which travels back to the spinal cord and synapses ( without interneurons ) at the level of L3 in the spinal cord , completely independent of higher centres . From there , an alpha motor neuron conducts an efferent impulse back to the quadriceps femoris muscle , triggering contraction . This contraction , coordinated with the relaxation of the antagonistic flexor hamstring muscle causes the leg to kick . This is a reflex of proprioception which helps maintain posture and balance , allowing to keep one 's balance with little effort or conscious thought . </P>
<P> Striking the patellar tendon with a reflex hammer just below the patella stretches the muscle spindle in the quadriceps muscle . This produces a signal which travels back to the spinal cord and synapses ( without interneurons ) at the level of L3 in the spinal cord , completely independent of higher centres . From there , an alpha motor neuron conducts an efferent impulse back to the quadriceps femoris muscle , triggering contraction . This contraction , coordinated with the relaxation of the antagonistic flexor hamstring muscle causes the leg to kick . This is a reflex of proprioception which helps maintain posture and balance , allowing to keep one 's balance with little effort or conscious thought . </P>
where do you hit the knee for reflex
where do you hit the knee for reflex
the patellar tendon just below the patella
the patellar tendon just below the patella