Understanding the Ankle Reflex

The podcast delves into the intricate details of the ankle reflex, also known as the Achilles tendon reflex. The ankle reflex is a deep tendon reflex used in neuro examinations to test sensory and motor components without higher order control. It involves tapping the tendon to trigger a response that stretches the tendon and activates a sensory signal to the spinal cord, resulting in a reflexive muscle contraction. This reflex showcases a combination of lower motor neuron control and upper motor neuron inhibition to regulate muscle responses.