NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEM:Reflexes

A. Blink reflex
– rapid eyelid closure when strong light is shown
-Purpose: to protect the eye from any object coming near it.

B. Palmar grasp reflex
– solid object is placed on palm and baby grasp object
- Purpose: cling to mother for safety (disappear by 6 weeks – 3 months)

C. Step (Walk)-in-Place Reflex
– neonate placed on a vertical position with their face touching a hard surface will take few quick, alternating steps. (disappear by 3 months)
- Placing Reflex: almost the same with step in place reflex only that you are touching anterior surface of a newborn’s leg.

D. Plantar grasp reflex
– when an object touches the sole of a newborn’s foot at the base of toes, the toes grasp in the same manner as fingers do. (disappear by 8 – 9 months in preparation for walking)

E. Tonic-neck-reflex
– when newborns lie on their backs, their heads usually turn to one side or the other. The arm and the leg on the side to which the head turns extend, and the opposite arm and leg contract.
-also called a boxer or fencing reflex

F. Moro reflex
– test for neurological integrity (jarring crib, loud voice) assume a letter C position (disappear by 4 – 5 months)

G. Magnet reflex
– when there is pressure at the sole of the foot he pushes back against the pressure. (test for spinal cord integrity)

H. Crossed extension reflex
– when the sole of foot is stimulated by a sharp object, it causes the foot to rise and the other foot extend

I. Truck Incurvation reflex
– while in prone position and the paravertebral area is stimulated, it causes flexion of the trunk and swing his pelvis toward the touch.

J. Landau reflex
–while prone position and the trunk is being supported, the baby exhibit some muscle tone (test for muscle tone and present by 6 – 9 months)

K. Parachute reaction
– while on ventral suspension with the sudden change of equilibrium, it causes extension of the hands and legs (present by 6 – 9 months)

L. Babinski reflex
– when the sole of foot is stimulated by an inverted “J”, it causes fanning of toes (disappear by 2 months but may persist up to 2 years)

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