Biceps tendon reflex tests which nerve roots?

Biceps tendon reflex tests which nerve roots?

• A. C4-C5
• B. C6-C7
• C. C5-C6
• D. T1-T2

Answer: (C)

The biceps tendon reflex primarily tests the C5–C6 nerve roots through the musculocutaneous nerve. When you strike the biceps tendon, the sensory input travels to the spinal cord at those levels and triggers a motor response that causes the biceps to contract, producing elbow flexion and often forearm supination. A normal reflex indicates these pathways are functioning on that side; diminished or absent reflex suggests a problem at or above the C5–C6 segments, the nerve, or its connections. This reflex helps distinguish it from others: the triceps reflex points to C7–C8, the brachioradialis reflex is most associated with C6, and signals outside the upper thoracic region (like T1–T2) don’t primarily test these arm reflexes.

The biceps tendon reflex primarily tests the C5–C6 nerve roots through the musculocutaneous nerve. When you strike the biceps tendon, the sensory input travels to the spinal cord at those levels and triggers a motor response that causes the biceps to contract, producing elbow flexion and often forearm supination. A normal reflex indicates these pathways are functioning on that side; diminished or absent reflex suggests a problem at or above the C5–C6 segments, the nerve, or its connections.

This reflex helps distinguish it from others: the triceps reflex points to C7–C8, the brachioradialis reflex is most associated with C6, and signals outside the upper thoracic region (like T1–T2) don’t primarily test these arm reflexes.