jerk

jerk

 [jerk]

a sudden reflex or involuntary movement.

Achilles jerk (ankle jerk) plantar extension of the foot elicited by a tap on the achilles tendon, while the patient is seated on a bed or chair, with feet hanging freely; called also Achilles reflex and triceps surae jerk or reflex.

biceps jerk biceps reflex.

elbow jerk involuntary flexion of the elbow on striking the tendon of the biceps or triceps muscle.

jaw jerk jaw-jerk reflex.

knee jerk see knee jerk.

tendon jerk tendon reflex.

triceps surae jerk ankle jerk.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

jerk

(jerk),

1. A sudden pull.

2. Synonym(s): deep reflex

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

jerk

(jĕrk)

1. A sudden pull.

2. Synonym(s): deep reflex.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

jerk

1. A sudden involuntary movement, usually of the head or a limb.

2. A reflex muscle or muscle group contraction in response to a sudden stretching by briskly tapping the tendon. A tendon reflex.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

jerk

(jĕrk)

A sudden pull.

Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012