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Infantile reflexes
Definition:
A reflex is an involuntary muscular response to a sensory stimulus. Certain sensations or movements are known to produce specific muscular responses. The presence and strength of a reflex is an important indication of neurological development and function. Many of the infantile reflexes disappear as the infant matures, though some remain throughout adulthood. Text Continues Below
Alternative Names:
Primitive reflexes; Reflexes in infants Considerations:
Infantile reflexes are tested and observed by the medical team to evaluate neurological function and development. Absent or abnormal reflexes in an infant, persistence of a reflex past the age where the reflex is normally lost, or redevelopment of an infantile reflex in an older child or adult may suggest significant neurological problems. Examples of reflexes that persist into adulthood are: - blinking (corneal) reflex (blinks before eyes are touched or when sudden bright light appears)
- sneeze reflex (sneezes when nasal passages irritated)
- gag reflex (gags when throat or back of mouth stimulated)
- yawn reflex (yawns when needs additional oxygen)
- cough reflex (coughs when airway stimulated)
Infantile reflexes (normal in infants, abnormal in all others): - sucking reflex (sucks when area around mouth stimulated)
- startle reflex (pulling arms and legs inward after loud noise)
- step reflex (stepping motions when sole of foot touches hard surface)
Other infantile reflexes include: The MORO RESPONSE is elicited by placing an infant on his back. Support the upper body weight of the supine infant by the arms (not lifting the infant off the surface) then release the arms suddenly. The infant responds by throwing the arms outward, clenching the fist, appearing startled, then relaxing back to a normal rest position.
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