Abdominal reflex

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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 (involving multiple connections between nerves).[1]

The abdomen is mentally divided into four quadrants, and the skin in each quadrant is gently stroked, on the diagonal, towards the navel.[2] The navel should twitch towards the stimulus.[2]

Roots involved

Thoracic 8th – 12th segments are involved.[1]

Absent abdominal reflex

Evolutionary significance

References

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