Which spinal levels are tested by the brachioradialis tendon reflex?

Which spinal levels are tested by the brachioradialis tendon reflex?

• A. C5-C6
• B. C7-C8
• C. C4-C5
• D. C6-C7

Answer: (D)

The brachioradialis tendon reflex helps map the spinal segments that contribute to elbow flexion via the radial nerve. When you strike the brachioradialis tendon with the forearm in neutral, the reflex pathway mainly involves the nerve roots around the C6 level, with input from neighboring levels that refine the response. In many neuro exam maps used for NPTE preparation, this reflex is placed at C6-C7 because it sits between the C5-C6 level (biceps reflex) and the C7-C8 level (triceps reflex) on the myotome map. The primary contribution is C6, and C7 can influence the response as well, so stating C6-C7 captures the typical range tested for this reflex. For contrast, the biceps reflex tests C5-C6 and the triceps reflex tests C7-C8, underscoring how each deep tendon reflex maps to a specific segment range.

The brachioradialis tendon reflex helps map the spinal segments that contribute to elbow flexion via the radial nerve. When you strike the brachioradialis tendon with the forearm in neutral, the reflex pathway mainly involves the nerve roots around the C6 level, with input from neighboring levels that refine the response. In many neuro exam maps used for NPTE preparation, this reflex is placed at C6-C7 because it sits between the C5-C6 level (biceps reflex) and the C7-C8 level (triceps reflex) on the myotome map. The primary contribution is C6, and C7 can influence the response as well, so stating C6-C7 captures the typical range tested for this reflex. For contrast, the biceps reflex tests C5-C6 and the triceps reflex tests C7-C8, underscoring how each deep tendon reflex maps to a specific segment range.