When Elisa goes to the doctor for her annual physical, the doctor taps directly below her kneecap, which causes her leg to jerk forward. Elisa's doctor is testing her:
A)overall central nervous system.
B)somatic nervous system.
C)bone health.
D)spinal reflexes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The doctor is testing Elisa's spinal reflexes by tapping the area just below her kneecap, which should cause her leg to jerk forward. This reflex is a result of a connection between the nerves in the knee and the spinal cord, and does not involve conscious thought or control from the brain. This type of reflex falls under the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements. However, D is a more specific answer as it addresses the exact type of reflex being tested in this scenario.

When Elisa Goes to the Doctor for Her Annual Physical