deep tendon
deep tendon reflex. n. Tonic contraction of the muscles in response to a stretching force, due to stimulation of muscle proprioceptors. deep tendon reflex (DTR) a brisk contraction of a muscle in response to a sudden stretch induced by a sharp tap by a finger or rubber hammer on the tendon of insertion of the muscle. Absence of the reflex may be caused by damage to the muscle, peripheral nerve, nerve roots, or spinal cord at that level.