Plantar Reflex (Noun)
Meaning
Flexion of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front in persons over the age of 2 years; under 2 years the results should be extension of the toes (Babinski reflex).
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- Stimulating the sole of the foot with a firm stroking motion is one way to elicit the plantar reflex.
- A normal plantar reflex involves flexion of the toes when the foot is stroked from the heel to the toes.
- Neurologists examine patients' plantar reflex as part of their physical examination to check for possible nerve damage or diseases affecting the nervous system.
- Caregivers are taught to test the plantar reflex as part of developmental checks for infants.
- Assessing the plantar reflex in both the left and right foot helps doctors rule out lateralization of lesions.