During the abdominal reflex test, a quick horizontal stroke toward the umbilicus elicits contraction of the abdominal muscles with the umbilicus deviating toward the stimulus. Which reflex is being tested?

• A. Abdominal reflexes
• B. Anocutaneous reflex
• C. Cremasteric reflex
• D. Genitofemoral nerve

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is the superficial abdominal reflex. When you stroke the skin of the abdomen toward the umbilicus, a normal response is contraction of the abdominal wall muscles with the umbilicus deviating toward the stimulus. This reflex tests the integrity of the thoracoabdominal nerves (lower intercostal nerves, roughly T7–T12) and their spinal cord connections, along with the motor muscles of the abdominal wall. A normal response indicates that the afferent and efferent pathways and the muscles on that side are functioning properly.

The other options don’t fit the scenario because they involve different reflexes and nerve paths: the anal or anocutaneous reflex tests the anal sphincter, not the abdominal wall; the cremasteric reflex involves the cremaster muscle and is mediated by nerves around L1–L2 (often tested by stroking the inner thigh); the genitofemoral nerve is primarily involved in the cremasteric reflex and genital sensation, not in abdominal wall contraction.