Which pair of nerve roots corresponds to the patellar and Achilles reflex tests, respectively?

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Multiple Choice

Which pair of nerve roots corresponds to the patellar and Achilles reflex tests, respectively?

Patellar reflex tests the stretch of the quadriceps, which is carried by the femoral nerve and most closely associated with the L4 spinal root. When the patellar tendon is tapped, the reflex arc leads to contraction of the quadriceps via L4. The Achilles reflex involves the gastrocnemius-soleus complex and the tibial portion of the sciatic nerve, with the S1 (and often S2) spinal roots serving this reflex arc, causing plantarflexion. Because the knee-jerk (patellar) aligns with L4 and the ankle-jerk (Achilles) aligns with S1, the pair corresponds to L4 for the patellar reflex and S1 for the Achilles reflex.

Patellar reflex tests the stretch of the quadriceps, which is carried by the femoral nerve and most closely associated with the L4 spinal root. When the patellar tendon is tapped, the reflex arc leads to contraction of the quadriceps via L4. The Achilles reflex involves the gastrocnemius-soleus complex and the tibial portion of the sciatic nerve, with the S1 (and often S2) spinal roots serving this reflex arc, causing plantarflexion.

Because the knee-jerk (patellar) aligns with L4 and the ankle-jerk (Achilles) aligns with S1, the pair corresponds to L4 for the patellar reflex and S1 for the Achilles reflex.

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