Week 3 - G - Primitive reflex of children

Question 1

What are the 7 primitive reflexes that we need to know?

Answer 1

Moro relfex Stepping reflex Rooting reflex Sucking reflex ATNR (asymmetrical tonic neck reflex) Palmar grasp reflex Plantar reflex

Question 2

What is the moro reflex often referred to as?

Answer 2

Often known as the startles reflex

Question 3

What happens in the moro reflex?

Answer 3

When the babies head becomes unsopported the baby abducts the arms and then adducts before crying

Question 4

What is the stepping relfex?

Answer 4

If you pick the baby up and put feet on the surface they begin stepping for walking

Question 5

What is the rooting reflex?

Answer 5

This is used to help when feeding the baby, when you stroke the cheek the babies mouth will open

Question 6

What is the suckling reflex?

Answer 6

This is linked to the rooting reflex and breastfeeding If anything touches the child mouth they will tend to suck - therefore helps with breastfeeding

Question 7

What is the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR)? What is this reflex also known as?

Answer 7

This is when the childs head is turned to one side In respone the arm and leg on the face side are extended and the arm and leg on the other side become flexed Also known as the fencing reflex

Question 8

What is the palmar grasp reflex?

Answer 8

When an object is placed in the infant’s hand and strokes their palm, the fingers will close and they will grasp it with a palmar grasp

Question 9

What is the plantar reflex?

Answer 9

This is when the plantar surface of the babies foot is strokes and the toes curl down (plantar flexion)

Question 10

What is the sign known as where there is an upper motor neurone lesion causing fanning of the toes during the plantar reflex?

Answer 10

This is known as Babinski’s sign

Question 11

What age should the primitive reflexes have disappeared by?

Answer 11

From 1 to 6 months - worrying if any remain after 6 months