The patellar reflex corresponds to which nerve roots?

The patellar reflex corresponds to which nerve roots?

• A. L3 to L4
• B. L2 to L3
• C. L4 to L5
• D. S1 to S2

Answer: (A)

The knee-jerk reflex is a stretch reflex of the quadriceps mediated by the femoral nerve, involving nerve roots mainly from L2 to L4, with L4 being the strongest contributor. Among the given options, the range L3 to L4 best reflects the principal roots connected to this reflex, capturing the essential L3–L4 involvement while excluding roots tied to other reflexes such as S1–S2. The other ranges either miss this L4 involvement or point to different reflexes altogether.

The knee-jerk reflex is a stretch reflex of the quadriceps mediated by the femoral nerve, involving nerve roots mainly from L2 to L4, with L4 being the strongest contributor. Among the given options, the range L3 to L4 best reflects the principal roots connected to this reflex, capturing the essential L3–L4 involvement while excluding roots tied to other reflexes such as S1–S2. The other ranges either miss this L4 involvement or point to different reflexes altogether.