Cremasteric reflex

Cremasteric reflex

A - sensory fibers controlled by the genitofemoral nerve, B - sensory fibers controlled by the ilioinguinalis nerve

The cremaster reflex is a cutaneous reflex that is elicited by irritation of the skin on the medial side of the thigh. We watch the testicles in the scrotum. When the cremaster muscle contracts , the testicle on the same side is elevated.

Both afferent and efferent take place via the L1–L2 spinal motor circuit.

If the reflex cannot be elicited, it may be:

• local pathology (torsion of the testicle, epididymis or their appendages),
• reflex arc lesion,
• lesions of the corticospinalis tractus .

Links

Related articles

• Testicular torsion
• Torsions of the testicular appendix and epididymis
• Acute scrotum
• Spinal reflexes

References

FULLER, Geraint. Neurologické vyšetření snadno a rychle. 1. edition. Prague : Grada, 2008. ISBN 978-80-247-1914-6.