Infant Reflexes and Stereotypes Flashcards
reflexive movements occur when during development?
last 4 months of prenatal life
1st 4 months after birth
where do reflexes occur?
sub cortically, below the level of the higher brain centers
infant (primitive) reflexes last how long?
about a year
reflexes that endure past the 1st year are known as
lifespan reflexes
ex. knee-jerk, flexor-withdrawal refelex
primitive reflexes
asymmetric tonic neck reflex,
symmetric tonic neck reflex
moro reflex
function of primitive reflex
protection, nutrition (sucking, rooting), survival
primitive reflexes are eventually replaced by
postural reflexes
postural reflexes
provide automatic movement that is practice for future voluntary movement
i.e. walking reflex
do postural reflexes endure?
no, they disappear when voluntary behavior surfaces
why study reflexes?
to determine the level of neurological maturation
Moro reflex
may signify a cerebral birth injury if lacking or asymmetrical
elicited by the same stimuli the induces the startle reflex
precede the startle reflex and causes arms and legs to extend
disappears at 4-6 months
Asymmetric tonic neck reflex
may indicate cerebral palsy or other neurological problem
causes flexion on one side and extension on the other
not always seen, facilitates the development of body awareness
Milani Comparetti neuromoto development examination
measures several infant reflexes from birth to 24 months
Primitive Reflex profile
quantification of the level of presence or strength of primitive reflexes
rooting reflex
search reflex
