Tapping on the Patellar Ligament Causes

Question

Tapping on the patellar ligament causes
A) Reflex contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle
B) Reflex contraction of the soleus m uscle
C) Reflex inhibition of the gastrocnem ius musle
D) Reflex contraction of the quadriceps muscle
E) Reflex inhibition of the quadriceps muscle

Accepted Answer

Tapping on the patellar ligament triggers the patellar reflex, which results in the reflex contraction of the quadriceps muscle. This is a monosynaptic reflex where the sensory neuron directly communicates with the motor neuron, causing the quadriceps to contract and the lower leg to kick forward.