Achilles Reflex

Achilles Reflex

Plantar flexion at the ankle following phasic stretch of the Achilles tendon, produced by a blow with a tendon hammer either directly upon the Achilles tendon or with a plantar strike, constitutes the ankle or Achilles reflex, mediated through sacral segments S1 and S2 and the sciatic and posterior tibial nerves. This reflex is typically lost in polyneuropathies, S1 radiculopathy, and, possibly, as a consequence of normal ageing.

Cross References

Age-related signs; Neuropathy; Reflexes