PHYSIOLOGIC REFLEXES

Question 1

What are reflexes?

Answer 1

Involuntary reactions that the body makes automatically in response to a specific cue.

Question 2

What is the Babinski reflex?

Answer 2

Toes spread, great toe dorsiflexion when the outer sole of the foot is stroked.

Question 3

Describe the Walking Reflex in newborns.

Answer 3

When held up with one hand across the chest, the baby makes a walking motion as feet touch the ground.

Question 4

What happens during the Protective Reflex?

Answer 4

Baby arches head, turns head side to side, and brings hands to face to swipe away a soft cloth placed over the eyes and nose.

Question 5

What is the Rooting Reflex?

Answer 5

Baby turns to find breast when touched on either side of the cheek/mouth.

Question 6

What occurs during the Sucking Reflex?

Answer 6

Baby automatically sucks when the nipple is placed inside its mouth.

Question 7

What is the Tonic Neck (Fencing) Reflex?

Answer 7

When the head is rotated leftward, the left arm stretches into extension, and the right arm flexes up above the head; opposite reaction occurs if head is rotated rightward.

Question 8

What is the Moro Reflex?

Answer 8

Baby throws arms out in extension and grimaces when gently dropped back while held in supine position.