Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

Which area corresponds to the Chapman reflex for upper respiratory infections (URI) and lungs?

1. Middle clavicle

2. 1st rib

3. Shoulder blade

4. Middle of the thoracic spine

The correct answer is: Middle clavicle

The Chapman reflex for upper respiratory infections and the lungs corresponds to the area of the middle clavicle. This reflex point reflects the general concept in osteopathic medicine that specific areas of the body can have corresponding visceral connections. In this case, the middle clavicle region is associated with the pulmonary system and responds to disturbances such as those seen in upper respiratory infections. Understanding Chapman's points can aid in diagnosing and treating various conditions through osteopathic manipulative treatment. Each specific area has been mapped out to correlate with organs and systems, and proper knowledge of these connections allows healthcare providers to better understand how somatic dysfunctions may relate to visceral illnesses. The other areas mentioned, while being points of interest in different contexts, do not specifically correlate with upper respiratory infections in the same way that the middle clavicle does. For example, the 1st rib involves points related to the neck and may not accurately reflect lung function or URI. The shoulder blade and the middle of the thoracic spine are also associated with different points in osteopathic practice that do not target the upper respiratory system directly.