Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

What organ is associated with Chapman’s reflex located at the top of the right 12th rib?

1. Kidney

2. Gallbladder

3. Liver

4. Pancreas

The correct answer is: Gallbladder

Chapman's reflex points are specific areas on the body that correlate with various organs and their associated pathological states. The Chapman’s reflex located at the top of the right 12th rib is specifically associated with the gallbladder. This area can often be used in physical exams to indicate dysfunction in that organ. Understanding the anatomy related to these reflex points is crucial for diagnosis and treatment in osteopathic medicine. The gallbladder functions primarily in the storage and concentration of bile, which is necessary for the digestion of fats. In instances of gallbladder disease, such as cholecystitis or gallstones, tenderness in this area may be palpated, reflecting the underlying pathology by activating the visceral-somatic reflex. Other organs listed in the choices may have their own Chapman’s reflex points, but they do not correspond to the specific location of the right 12th rib. For instance, the kidney is usually associated with areas near the lumbar spine, while the liver has reflex points in the right upper quadrant, and the pancreas is aligned more toward the midline and upper regions of the abdomen. This anatomical understanding is essential for practitioners to accurately diagnose and manage related conditions.