What clinical information can be gained by conducting somatic reflex tests?

What five characteristics are common to all polysynaptic reflexes?

Compare and contrast flexor and crossed-extensor reflexes.

Bowel and urinary bladder control involve spinal reflex arcs that are located in the sacral region of the spinal cord. In both instances, two sphincter muscles—an inner sphincter of smooth muscle and an outer sphincter of skeletal muscle—control the passage of wastes (feces and urine) out of the body. How would a transection of the spinal cord at the L1 segment level affect an individual's bowel and bladder control?

What is the homeostatic value of flexor reflexes?

What is the structural and functional relationship between spinal nerves, skeletal muscles, and dermatomes?

Choose the true statement.

Which of the following reflexes is particularly important in maintaining balance and often accompanies the flexor reflex in weight-bearing limbs?