Reflexes Flashcards
What is a reflex, and where do reflexes originate?
A reflex is an involuntary motor response to a sensory stimulus, originating in the brainstem.
What are primitive reflexes, and why are they important in infant development?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that support early development and form the foundation for voluntary movement.
What is the difference between primitive reflexes and postural reflexes?
Primitive reflexes appear early in infancy and are integrated, while postural reflexes develop later and aid in balance.
How do primitive reflexes assist in the birth process?
Primitive reflexes generate movements such as pushing and wriggling, helping the infant during the birth process.
What are the consequences of retained primitive reflexes?
Retained primitive reflexes can impede motor development, affect balance, and contribute to learning difficulties.
What is the Moro reflex, and what is its developmental importance?
The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, helps with early protective responses
- starts integrating by 5 months.
How is the Moro reflex tested, and what is the expected response?
The Moro reflex is tested by dropping the baby’s head slightly. The expected response is UE abduction, open fingers, and crying.
What is the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), and why is it called the “fencer’s pose”?
ATNR is triggered when the head is turned, causing extension on the side toward which the head is turned. It’s called the ‘fencer’s pose’ because of the arm positioning.
What is the role of the Spinal Galant reflex in development?
The Spinal Galant reflex helps the infant move down the birth canal and supports early spinal movements.
How is the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) tested, and what is its function?
TLR is tested in prone or supine positions. Flexion of the head results in body flexion; extension of the head causes body extension.
What is the Landau reflex, and how does it contribute to posture development?
The Landau reflex helps develop posture and muscle tone by extending the head, neck, and trunk when the infant is suspended prone.
What is the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR), and how does it support crawling?
STNR allows infants to get into the crawling position by dissociating upper and lower body movements. It integrates by 12 months.
What is the Babinski reflex, and how does it prepare the body for walking?
The Babinski reflex involves toe extension when the sole of the foot is stroked. It prepares the feet for walking.
How is the Palmar grasp reflex tested, and when does it typically integrate?
The Palmar grasp reflex is tested by placing pressure in the infant’s palm, leading to an automatic grasp. It integrates by 4 months.
What is the rooting reflex, and how does it support nutrition?
The rooting reflex causes the infant to turn their head toward a stimulus on their cheek, helping with breastfeeding.
When do most primitive reflexes integrate in a typically developing child?
Most primitive reflexes integrate within the first year of life.
What are postural reflexes, and when do they emerge?
Postural reflexes help with balance and begin to emerge as primitive reflexes integrate, usually by 3-4 years.
How do primitive reflexes integrate into more voluntary and conscious movement?
Primitive reflexes are gradually replaced by conscious control as the brain matures and connections between neurons strengthen.
What factors can disrupt the normal integration of reflexes?
Factors include birth trauma, injuries, overstimulation, lack of movement opportunities, and exposure to drugs.
What happens to balance and posture when primitive reflexes are not integrated?
Unintegrated reflexes can impair balance, posture, and coordination, leading to delayed motor development.
How is the Moro reflex tested in an infant?
Place the infant on their back, lift the head slightly, and then let it drop for a moment, observing the startle response.
How is the ATNR tested in a child?
Place the child on their back and turn the head to one side. The arm and leg on the side of the head turn should extend.
How is the Spinal Galant reflex tested, and what response should be observed?
Stroke along the spine from the shoulder to the hip. The infant should laterally flex toward the side of the stimulus.
How is the TLR tested, and what observations indicate a retained reflex?
Ask the child to look up and down from standing. A retained TLR may cause them to lose balance or show exaggerated movements.
How is the Landau reflex tested, and what should the response be?
Suspend the infant horizontally in prone. The expected response is the extension of the head, neck, and trunk.
How is the STNR tested in a child?
Place the child in quadruped, have them look up and down. A retained STNR may cause the hips to flex or extend excessively.
How is the Babinski reflex tested, and what does an abnormal response indicate?
Stroke the lateral border of the foot. An abnormal response, such as a positive Babinski in older children, may indicate neurological dysfunction.
What are the signs of a retained Moro reflex?
A retained Moro reflex may cause hypersensitivity, poor balance, and delayed protective responses.
How can a retained ATNR affect a child’s motor development?
A retained ATNR can result in poor midline development, delayed rolling, and difficulties with handwriting.
What are the consequences of a retained Spinal Galant reflex?
A retained Spinal Galant reflex can cause bedwetting, poor concentration, and scoliosis.
How does a retained STNR affect crawling and postural development?
A retained STNR may cause ‘W’ sitting, bunny hopping instead of crawling, and poor posture.
What issues arise from a retained Babinski reflex?
A retained Babinski reflex may cause difficulty walking, foot deformities, and frequent ankle sprains.
