Reflexes

When a baby is born, a paediatrician will check the baby in order to make sure that there are no defects. One of these checks is to test how well the central nervous system is working by looking at the baby's reflexes. These reflexes are automatic and outside the conscious control of the infant.

ROOTING If the baby's cheek is touched, she will turn her head to that side and try to locate with her mouth the thing that touched her.

GRASPING The baby will grasp strongly anything put into her hand. Her feet also show the same curling movement.

STEPPING If the baby is held up so that her foot is in contact with a surface, she will bring her other foot up as though stepping or walking.

MORO When the baby is startled she will fling out her arms, spread out her hands and then clench them.

PLACING When the baby's foot is brought up under the edge of a surface, she will lift her foot and place it on top of the surface.

STARTLE When a baby is startled by a loud noise or bright light, she will draw in her arms and clench her fists and may cry. These reflexes all disappear as the baby grows older and learns from the environment. A reflex is a genetically determined behaviour that is not learned.

 

Exercise

Think of some other reflex behaviours that adults still have.

Assessment questions

What is a reflex? Name three that are present at birth. Why do you think we are born with certain reflexes?

last update April 5, 2003

© L. Cryer/Northern College 2000