The ankle jerk reflex, also known as the Achilles reflex, occurs when the Achilles tendon is tapped while the foot is dorsi-flexed. A positive result would be the jerking of the foot towards its plantar surface.

The Achilles reflex checks if the S1 and S2 nerve roots are intact and could be indicative of sciatic nerve pathology. It is classically delayed in hypothyroidism. This reflex is usually absent in disk herniations at the L5-S1 level.

A reduction in the ankle jerk reflex may also be indicative of peripheral neuropathy.

[edit] See also

• Tonic vibration reflex

v • d • e Nervous system physiology: neurophysiology - reflex Cranial nerve midbrain: Pupillary light reflex · Accommodation reflex pons/medulla: Jaw jerk reflex · Corneal reflex · Caloric reflex test/Vestibulo-ocular reflex/Oculocephalic reflex · Pharyngeal (gag) reflex Tendon reflexes upper limb: Biceps reflex C5/C6 · Brachioradialis reflex C6 · Extensor digitorum reflex C6/C7 · Triceps reflex C7/C8 lower limb: Patellar reflex L2-L4 · Ankle jerk reflex S1/S2 · Plantar reflex Primitive reflexes Galant · Gastrocolic · Grasp · Moro · Rooting · Stepping · Sucking · Tonic neck Lists general · alphabetical · by organ Cardiovascular Bainbridge reflex · Bezold-Jarisch reflex  · Coronary reflex  · Mammalian diving reflex  · Oculocardiac reflex Baroreflex Reflex bradycardia  · Reflex Tachycardia Respiratory Churchill-Cope reflex Other Acoustic reflex · H-reflex · Stretch reflex · Golgi tendon reflex · Optokinetic · Startle reaction · Withdrawal reflex (Crossed extensor reflex)

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