What is the definition of the Suck-Swallow Reflex?
Rhythmic sucking and swallowing when the roof of the mouth is touched
Essential for feeding and nutrition; integrates by ~5 months.
What is the developmental significance of the Gag Reflex?
Throat contraction when the back of the mouth is touched
Protects airway from foreign objects; persists throughout life.
What does the Phasic Bite Reflex prepare for?
Chewing
Rhythmic jaw movements in response to gum pressure; integrates by ~9 months.
What is the purpose of the Rooting Reflex?
Helps locate nipple for feeding
Turns head toward touch on cheek or mouth; integrates by ~4 months.
What does the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex affect?
Muscle tone and posture
Head position (flexed or extended) causes whole-body flexion or extension; integrates by ~6 months.
What is the function of the Labyrinthine Righting Reflex?
Maintains head and body alignment
Head adjusts to stay upright when body is tilted; persists through life.
What does the Neonatal Neck Righting Reflex assist with?
Early rolling
Turning the head causes the body to follow in a log roll; integrates by ~6 months.
What is the Grasp Reflex?
Fingers close around object in palm (or toes curl if foot is touched)
Prepares for voluntary grasp; integrates by ~6 months (hand).
What do the Placing & Stepping Reactions prepare for?
Walking
Infant ‘steps’ when feet touch a surface; integrates by ~2 months.
What is the Moro Reflex a neurologic sign of?
Alertness
Sudden movement causes arms to extend then retract; integrates by ~4-6 months.
What does the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) develop?
Hand-eye coordination
Head turned to one side causes extension on that side, flexion on the other; integrates by ~6 months.
