Newborn Reflexes

Vocabulary flashcards covering neonatal and infant reflexes, including position, stimulus, response, and developmental sequence.

Palmar Grasp

A primitive reflex elicited in a supine or other position by placing an index finger in the infant's palm from the ulnar side and exerting pressure or traction. The reflex response is flexion of the fingers to grasp the examiner's finger. It is inconsistent for the first 3 days, strong for 3-5 seconds, and usually integrated by ~5 months (may persist up to 10 months).

Optical Righting

A postural reflex elicited in a supine or any other position by turning or tilting the head. The eyes align to the plane of the head. It is present at birth and persists throughout life.

Rooting Reflex

A reflex tested in supine position with the head in midline by gently stroking the perioral area. The head 'roots' towards the side stimulated; stroking the upper or lower lips causes head extension or chin tucking with mouth opening. Lateral responses are more consistent, and it is integrated by ~5-10 months.

Sucking Response

An infant reflex tested in a supine or other position by placing a finger in the mouth to touch the anterior 1/3rd of the tongue, producing rapid rhythmical sucking. It is not well organized until 3-10 days of age and is integrated by 3-5 months as voluntary hand-to-mouth control is established.

Moro Reflex (Startle)

A reflex tested in a symmetrical semi-sitting position with head supported and the infant in a quiet alert state. Support at the back of the head is suddenly withdrawn dropping it toward the bed before catching it. Results in extension and abduction of arms followed by slower flexion and adduction. Integrated by 4-6 months.

Neonatal Positive Supporting Reaction

A reaction tested in supported vertical suspension by placing the 'balls' of the infant's feet against a firm surface, causing body weight to be briefly supported. This variable response is integrated at 1-2 months, and weight bearing through LEs re-emerges at ~20 weeks (~5 weeks).

Placing Reaction

A reaction tested in vertical suspension by bringing the dorsal part of the foot into contact with the edge of a support surface. The limb flexes, lifts over the edge, and is placed on the surface. Emerges a few days after birth and persists in some form throughout life.

Stepping Response

A reflex tested in vertical suspension with the infant tilted forward by allowing the soles to touch a firm surface. It produces a stereotypic alternate stepping or 'walking' response. It is consistent shortly after birth and integrated by 2 months.

Galant's Reflex (Truncal Incurvation)

A reflex tested in prone lying or prone suspension by stroking the paraspinal area on one side, causing lateral trunk flexion towards the side of the stimulus. Weak in the first few days and integrated by 2-4 months.

Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

A reflex tested in supine position by gently turning the infant's head to one side. Extremities extend on the side the head is turned to and flex on the opposite side. Absent in newborns, inconsistently appears around 2 months, and integrated by 4-6 months.

Neck Righting Reflex

A reflex tested in supine position with head in midline by turning the head to one side and holding for 30 seconds. The body turns as a unit to align with the head without trunk rotation. Present at birth and integrated at 4-5 months as trunk rotation develops.