A reflex hammer is a medical instrument used by healthcare professionals to test deep tendon reflexes. It typically consists of a handle and a rubber head, which is designed to strike tendons gently. This helps assess the nervous system's function and can indicate neurological conditions. There are various types of reflex hammers, including the Taylor hammer and the Babinski hammer. Each design may have specific features, but they all serve the same primary purpose: to elicit a reflex response by tapping on specific tendons, such as those in the knee or ankle.