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Reflex Arcs and Reaction Rate

Objective: To investigate different reflex arcs and reaction rate.

Materials: rubber reflex hammer penlight or microscope light
30 cm ruler table or chairs

Procedure: KNEE JERK
1. have subject sit on a chair with their legs crossed and relaxed
2. using a reflex hammer, locate and gently strike the tendon below the knee cap.
3. a) describe the movement of the leg
4. ask the subject to clench a book with both hands and strike the tendon again.
b) compare the movement to 3a

ACHILLES REFLEX
5. have the subject remove their shoe and kneel on a chair with their feet hanging off the edge of the chair. Push the toes towards the leg of the chair and lightly tap the Achilles tendon with the reflex hammer.
c) describe the movement of the foot

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