The Autonomic Nervous System The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the system that controls nonstriated muscles and glands. There are three divisions of the ANS: sympathetic (thoracolumbar), parasympathetic (craniosacral), and…
Gait and Station It is possible to learn more about neurologic status from watching a patient walk than from any other single procedure, and observation of gait should always be…
Cerebellar Function The cerebellum is tasked with bringing finesse to the motor system. Although not primarily involved in the mechanisms for production of muscle power, it is necessary for normal…
Associated Movements An associated movement (AM) is an unintentional, involuntary, spontaneous, automatic movement that accompanies some other voluntary (or involuntary) movement. The associated, or synkinetic, movement is often one that…
Pathologic Reflexes Pathologic reflexes are responses not generally found in the normal individual. Some are responses that are minimally present and elicited with difficulty in normals but become prominent and…
The Deep Tendon or Muscle Stretch Reflexes When a normal muscle is passively stretched, its fibers resist the stretch by contracting. Reflexes elicited by application of a stretch stimulus to…
The Superficial (Cutaneous) Reflexes Superficial reflexes are responses to stimulation of either the skin or mucous membrane. Cutaneous reflexes are elicited by a superficial skin stimulus, such as a light…
Introduction to the Reflexes The reflex examination is important for several reasons. Reflex changes may be the earliest and most subtle indication of a disturbance in neurologic function. The testing…
Sensory Localization Diminution or loss of sensation may occur because of lesions involving the peripheral nerves, nerve roots, spinal cord, brainstem, or higher centers of the brain, as may abnormal…
Motor Strength and Power Motor strength and power indicate the capacity of muscles to exert force and expend energy. Decreased strength is weakness, or paresis; absence of muscle contraction is…
