abdominal 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.