Cremasteric reflex
587350
216593928
2008-06-02T10:11:08Z
Kauczuk
1670727
pl:
<!-- Do other mammals have this reflex? If so, say "in male mammals". The article is focused on humans, though. -->
The '''cremasteric reflex''' is a cutaneous [[reflex]] observed in human males.
This reflex is elicited by lightly stroking the superior and medial part of the thigh.<ref name="titleDefinition: cremasteric reflex from Online Medical Dictionary">{{cite web |url=http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?cremasteric+reflex |title=Definition: cremasteric reflex from Online Medical Dictionary |accessdate=2007-12-06 |format= |work=}}</ref> The normal response is a contraction of the [[cremaster muscle]] that pulls up the [[scrotum]] and [[testis]] on the side stroked.
More specifically, the reflex utilizes sensory and motor fibers of the L1 spinal nerve. When the inner thigh is stroked, sensory fibers of the [[ilioinguinal]] nerve are stimulated. These synapse in the spinal cord and activate the motor fibers of the [[genital branch]] of the [[genitofemoral]] nerve which causes the cremaster muscle to contract and elevate the testis.
In children, this reflex may be exaggerated, and this can lead to the mistaken diagnosis of [[undescended testes]].
Upper and lower motor [[neuron]] disorders, as well as a spine injury of L1-L2, can cause an absence of the cremasteric reflex. It has also been reported to be absent in 100% of cases of [[testicular torsion]], making it a useful sign in this difficult diagnosis.
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Andrology]]
[[Category:Reflexes]]
[[it:Riflesso cremasterico]]
[[pl:Odruch mosznowy]]