PS1: neonatal reflexes

Question 1

Babinski reflex

Answer 1

Present in children from ages 0-2 years old. It is stimulated by dragging a pointed object across the sole of the foot. A normal response is plantar extension, in which the toes splay or extend outwards. In adults, the reflex disappears and the toes curl inward (flex) instead.

Question 2

grasping reflex

Answer 2

Present in children from ages 0-6 months old. It is stimulated by placing an object in the infant’s hand. In response, the infant will tightly clasp its hand around the object.

Question 3

rooting reflex

Answer 3

Present in children from ages 0-4 months old. It is stimulated by stroking the cheek. In response, the infant will turn the head to the same side as the cheek that is stimulated.

Question 4

sucking reflex

Answer 4

Present in children from ages 0-7 months old. It is stimulated by placing an object in the infant’s mouth or stroking the roof of the mouth. This results in the infant suckling or sucking on the object that was placed in the mouth.

Question 5

Moro reflex

Answer 5

Present in children from ages 0-6 months old. In response to a startling sound or abrupt change in the infant’s position, the infant will rapidly reach its arms outward with outspread hands and then draw its arms closer together.

Question 6

stepping reflex

Answer 6

Present in children from ages 0-2 months old. When the infant is held upright such that the feet can touch the floor, it will take step-like motions on the ground. This is a developmental precursor to walking, which is usually attained around 1 year of age.

Question 7

tonic neck reflex

Answer 7

Present in children from ages 0-7 months old. When the infant is placed lying down with the head turned to one side, the arms move in response. The arm on the same side the infant’s head is turned to will extend while the opposite arm flexes. Due to the resemblance of this posture to a fencing stance, this reflex is also known as the fencing reflex.