Spinal cord levels
Motor Exam (Myotomes)
- C3-C5: Diaphragm
- C5: Shoulder Abduction
- C5-C6: Elbow Flexion
- C6-C7: Wrist Extension
- C7-C8: Elbow Extension
- C8: Finger Flexion
- T1-T6: Intercostal Muscles
- L3-L4: Thigh Adduction
- L2-L4: Knee Extension
- L4-L5: Ankle Dorsiflexion
- L5-S1: Great Toe Extension
- S1-S2: Ankle Plantarflexion
- S2-S4: Anal Sphincter Contraction
Reflexes
Level |
Reflex |
C5 |
biceps |
C6 |
brachioradialis |
C7 | triceps |
L3 | quadriceps |
S1 | achilles tendon |
S2,3,4 | bulbocavernosus, anal wink |
Sensory Exam
- C2 Occiput
- C3 Thyroid Cartilage
- C4 Suprasternal Notch
- C5 Below Clavicle
- C6 Thumb
- C7 Index Finger
- C8 Little Finger
- T4 Nipple Line
- T10 Umbilicus
- L1 Femoral Pulse
- L2-L3 Medial Aspect of Thigh
- L4 Knee
- L5 Lateral Aspect of Calf
- S1 Lateral Aspect of Foot
- S2-S4 Perineal Region
Cervical Exam by Level
Radiculopathy | Motor Deficit | Sensory Deficit | Diminished Reflex |
---|---|---|---|
C4 | Levator Scapulae & Shoulder elevation | ||
C5 | Deltoid & Biceps | Biceps | |
C6 | Brachioradialis & Wrist extension | Thumb Paresthesia | Brachioradialis |
C7 | Triceps & Wrist flexion | Index/Middle/Ring Paresthesia | Triceps |
C8 | Index/Middle distal phlnx flexion | Small Finger Paresthesia |