REFLEXES IN THE ANTERIOR TIBIAL MUSCLE AFTER CORD ASPHYXIATION

Abstract

The same periods of tone described for extensor muscles have been found in the anterior tibial muscle after 55 and 65 min. of asphyxiation of the spinal cord. Evidence for the reflex nature of certain phases of this tone in the anterior tibial muscle has been found. Only occasional traces of the flexion reflex have been demonstrated after cord asphyxiation of these durations, though the presence of tone in the anterior tibial muscle is an indication that the final common path of both reflexes is functioning. An explanation for the difference in vulnerability of flexion-and myotatic reflexes to cord asphyxiation is sought in the difference in the number of neurons forming the reflex arcs of these reflexes. Cats were used exclusively.