Cremasteric reflex

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.

Related articles

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