Bulbocavernosus reflex
Bulbocavernosus reflex
The Bulbocavernosus reflex (pronunciation: bulb-o-cav-er-NO-sus reflex), also known as BCR or Osinski reflex, is a medical reflex that allows healthcare professionals to evaluate the function of the sacral spinal cord and the peripheral nerves of the pelvic region.
Etymology
The term "Bulbocavernosus" is derived from the Latin words "bulbus" meaning "bulb" and "cavernosus" referring to the cavernous body of the penis. The term "reflex" comes from the Latin "reflexus", meaning "bending back".
Function
The Bulbocavernosus reflex is a polysynaptic reflex that is useful in testing for spinal shock and gaining information about the state of spinal cord injuries. It is elicited by squeezing the glans penis or clitoris in females and noting the contraction of the anal sphincter muscles.
Clinical significance
The absence of the Bulbocavernosus reflex may indicate a lesion or injury at the level of S2, S3, or S4 spinal segments, or a disruption of the pudendal nerve. It is also used in the diagnosis of conditions such as multiple sclerosis, neurogenic bladder, and cauda equina syndrome.
Related terms
- Somatic reflexes
- Monosynaptic reflex
- Polysynaptic reflex
- Spinal cord injury
- Pudendal nerve
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Neurogenic bladder
- Multiple sclerosis
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bulbocavernosus reflex
- Wikipedia's article - Bulbocavernosus reflex
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