Primitive Reflexes

Question 1

What are the 6 primitive reflexes?

Answer 1

1) Rooting 2) Sucking 3) ATNR 4) Grasp/Plantar 5) Stepping Response 6) Moro *7) Barbinski (+ve in extension)

Question 2

What is the moro response?

Answer 2

Sudden extension of the head causes symmetrical extension and then flexion of the arms.

Question 3

What is the grasp reflex?

Answer 3

Flexion of fingers when an object is placed in the palm.

Question 4

What is the rooting reflex?

Answer 4

Head turns to stimulus when touched near the mouth.

Question 5

Stepping response

Answer 5

Stepping movements when held vertically and dorsum of feet touch a surface.

Question 6

Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex

Answer 6

Supine, infant adopts an outstretched arm to the side to which the head is turned.

Question 7

Sucking reflex

Answer 7

Automatic feeding action when nipple or teat placed in their mouth.

Question 8

What is the limit age for primitive reflexes?

Answer 8

6 months. Around the age when postural reflexes essential for independent sitting and walking emerge.

Question 9

Barbinski response

Answer 9

Disappears by 4 months usually. Normal is when toes flex. Extension = positive.