abdominal reflex

abdominal reflex

a superficial neurological reflex obtained by firmly stroking the skin of the abdomen around the umbilicus. It normally results in a brisk contraction of abdominal muscles in which the umbilicus moves toward the site of the stimulus. This reflex is often lost in diseases of the pyramidal tract and can also be lost with age or abdominal surgery. See also superficial reflex.

ab·dom·i·nal re·flex

(ab-dom'i-năl rē'fleks)

Abdominal wall muscle contraction in response to stimulation of abdominal skin.

abdominal reflex

Contraction of the muscles of the abdominal wall when the overlying skin is stimulated. Absence of this reflex indicates damage to the pyramidal tract.

See also: reflex

abdominal reflex

A reflex muscular contraction caused by firmly stroking each side of the skin of the abdomen in turn with a blunt point. In the normal response the umbilicus moves slightly toward the side stroked.