Mnemonic

Upper Limb Reflex Roots - 5, 6, 7, 8

A mnemonic for the nerve roots of the upper limb deep tendon reflexes.

Expansion

Biceps C5 to C6, Supinator C6, Triceps C7 to C8

Mnemonic

Count upwards in pairs, using the traditional rhyme:

  • S1, 2 - buckle my shoe (ankle jerk)
  • L3, 4 - kick the door (knee jerk)
  • C5, 6 - pick up sticks (biceps and supinator)
  • C7, 8 - lay them straight (triceps)

Read from the foot upwards, the root values simply run 1 to 8.

Expansion

  • Biceps reflex - C5, C6
  • Supinator (brachioradialis) reflex - C6
  • Triceps reflex - C7, C8

Remember the run 5, 6, 7, 8: biceps sits at the bottom, triceps at the top.