The anatomy of the ‘knee jerk’

 

 

 

 

Explain the anatomy of the ‘knee jerk’ (or patellar) *reflex* caused by tapping the patellar tendon below the right knee, including the parts of the nervous system that respond to the sensory input and cause the motor output. You may do this in list form.
Address the following:

Which anatomical parts of the *spinal cord* — spinal cord region, roots, horns, rami — are used during the sensory and motor portions of the reflex arc (in order)?
Which specific plexus, nerve(s), and muscle(s) are used in the sensory and motor activity?
Although the brain is not involved in producing the motor response, which part of the *brain* is activated so that the person becomes AWARE that the knee was stimulated?

 

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