Types of Reflexes

Question 1

Primitive Reflexes

Answer 1

associated with the infant’s instinct for survival and protection (gone around 4 months)

Question 2

Postural Reflexes

Answer 2

provide the infant with the ability to react to gravitational forces and changes in equilbrium

Question 3

Locomotor Reflexes

Answer 3

precursors of the voluntary movements of the same name

Question 4

Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

Answer 4

PRIMITIVE
infants start in a supine position
stimulus: turn head to one side
response: same side arm and leg extend
time: prenatal to 4 months
warning signs: persistence after 6 months

Question 5

Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)

Answer 5

the infant starts in a supported sitting position
stimulus: extend head and neck or flex head and neck
response: arms extend and legs flex or arms flex and legs extend
time: 6-7 months

Question 6

Palmar Grasp Reflex

Answer 6

PRIMITIVE
stimulus: touch the palm with a finger or object
response: hand closes tightly around finger or object
time: prenatal to 4 months
warning signs: presence after 6 months; asymmetrical reflex

Question 7

Moro Reflex

Answer 7

infant starts in supine position
stimulus: shake head
response: arms, legs, and fingers extend, then arms and legs flex
time: prenatal to 3 months
warning signs presence after 6 months asymmetrical reflex

Question 8

Stepping Reflex

Answer 8

LOCOMOTOR
stimulus: place the soles of feet on flat surface
response: legs move in a walking pattern
time: birth to 5 months

Question 9

Swimming RefleX

Answer 9

begins in a prone position
stimulus: place infant in or over water
response: swimming movement of arms and legs, breath-holding reflex
time: 11 days to 5 months

Question 10

Later Infancy

Answer 10

Voluntary control of movements
Understanding of environment, objects in the environment
Meaningful interaction with others
Postural reactions

Question 11

De-rotative Righting (Postural)

Answer 11

infant starts in supine position
stimulus: turn head to one side, or turn legs and pelvis to other side
response: body follows head in rotation or trunk and head follow in rotation
time: from 4 months