Spinal Reflexes – Myotactic (Stretch) Reflexes – Gastrocnemius Reflex
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Myotactic (Stretch) Reflexes

Gastrocnemius Reflex

• Anatomy and Physiology
  The gastronemicus muscle is one of the extensors of the hock. It is innervated by the tibial branch of the sciatic nerve. The origin of this reflex is L7-S1 in the spinal cord.
• Assessment
  Strike the tendon of the gastronemicus dorsal to the tibial tarsal bone. The expected response is an extension of the hock.