crossed extension reflex


crossed ex·ten·sion re·flex

extension of the contralateral hind limb when the paw of an animal is painfully stimulated or the central cut end of an afferent nerve, for example, the peroneal, is stimulated; sometimes occurs in humans on tapping the skin.

cross·ed ex·ten·sion re·flex

(krawst eks-ten'shŭn rē'fleks) A spinal level reflex elicited by application of a noxious stimulus, distally, to an extremity fixed in extension (commonly, the foot) with the patient supine. The response is for the opposing extremity to flex, then adduct and extend.

crossed extension reflex

An extension of the lower extremity on the opposite side when a painful stimulus is applied to the skin. See also: reflex