Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon


Schiff-Sher·ring·ton phe·nom·e·non

(shif sher'ing-tŏn), when the spinal cord is transected in the midthoracic region or a little lower, the stretch and other postural reflexes of the upper extremity become exaggerated; if the transection is made in the sacral cord, a similar effect is observed in the lower limbs. The effect is regarded as a release phenomenon, that is, release from an inhibitory influence normally exerted by the spinal segments below the transection.

Schiff,

Moritz, German physiologist, 1823-1896. Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon - when the spinal cord is transected in the midthoracic region or a little lower, the stretch and other postural reflexes of the upper extremity become exaggerated; if the transection is made in the sacral cord, a similar effect is observed in the lower limbs.

Sherrington,

Sir Charles Scott, English physiologist and Nobel laureate, 1857-1952. Liddell-Sherrington reflex - see under LiddellSchiff-Sherrington phenomenon - see under Schiff, MoritzSherrington law - every dorsal spinal nerve root supplies a particular area of the skin.Sherrington phenomenon - after the muscles of the leg have been deprived of their motor innervation, stimulation of the sciatic nerve causes slow contraction of the muscles.