Newborns enter the world with automatic responses that help them survive and provide clues about how their nervous system is functioning. This lesson examines common infant reflexes, their purposes, and how health-care professionals use them to monitor development.
A reflex is an automatic response to a particular kind of stimulation. A newborn does not need to consciously decide to blink, suck, or startle; these responses occur without deliberate control. Some reflexes support basic survival, while others are early responses of the developing nervous system.
All flashcards
What is an infant reflex?
It is an automatic response to a particular stimulus, such as sucking when something is placed in the mouth.
How does the rooting reflex appear?
When the infant’s cheek is stroked, the infant turns toward the touch, opens the mouth, and may make sucking motions.
What triggers the Moro reflex?
A sudden movement or noise may startle the infant, producing a response in which the head moves back and the arms and legs extend or flail outward.
Which reflexes typically remain throughout life?
Blinking, coughing, gagging, and sneezing generally remain as protective responses.
How do reflex checks support developmental monitoring?
Their presence and timing of disappearance offer health-care professionals information about development. Findings are considered with other observations and may prompt further assessment or early support.
Quiz questions
What is a reflex?Answer: An automatic response to a particular kind of stimulation.
Which reflex helps an infant orient toward a touch on the cheek?Answer: The rooting reflex.
What is another name for the Moro reflex?Answer: The startle reflex.
Which group consists of reflexes that generally remain throughout life?Answer: Blinking, coughing, gagging, and sneezing.
Why might a health-care professional assess an infant's reflexes over time?Answer: They contribute to monitoring development and may signal a need for further assessment.
Based on Lifespan Development by Diana Riser, Rose Spielman, David Biek (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.