Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What is the expected response when testing the cremasteric reflex in males?

1. The testicles drop

2. The abdomen contracts

3. The testicles lift

4. The leg jerks upward

The correct answer is: The testicles lift

The expected response when testing the cremasteric reflex in males is that the testicles lift. This reflex is a response to the stimulation of the inner thigh, which activates sensory fibers that communicate with the spinal cord, resulting in the contraction of the cremaster muscle. This muscle is responsible for the elevation of the testes, which serves to protect the testes by drawing them closer to the body when stimulated, such as in reaction to cold temperatures or tactile stimulation. This physiological response is essential for maintaining optimal temperature for spermatogenesis and serves as a protective mechanism in males. Understanding the cremasteric reflex is important in a clinical setting, as it can indicate the integrity of the neural pathways from the L1 and L2 segments of the spinal cord, which can be assessed during a neurological examination.