What does the Moro reflex entail?

What does the Moro reflex entail?

• A. Flexion of limbs
• B. Sudden disturbance causing an embrace response
• C. Turning of the head to one side
• D. Opening of the mouth when feeding

Answer: (B)

The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is a protective response observed in infants when they feel a sudden change in position or a loud noise, which can startle them. When this occurs, the infant will extend their arms and legs outward, and then quickly bring them back in, mimicking an embrace. This reflex is a key indicator of neurological development in infants and typically occurs from birth until about 5 to 6 months of age. The other options describe different reflexes or responses that do not correspond to the Moro reflex, such as flexing limbs or turning the head to one side, which are associated with different physical reactions or development milestones. For instance, the flexion of limbs may refer to other reflexes present in newborns, but it does not capture the essence of the Moro reflex's reaction to disturbance. Turning the head to one side is characteristic of the rooting reflex, and the opening of the mouth when feeding represents the oral reflexes present during feeding. Therefore, the embrace response accurately defines the Moro reflex as a critical aspect of an infant’s early motor development and response to stimuli.

The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is a protective response observed in infants when they feel a sudden change in position or a loud noise, which can startle them. When this occurs, the infant will extend their arms and legs outward, and then quickly bring them back in, mimicking an embrace. This reflex is a key indicator of neurological development in infants and typically occurs from birth until about 5 to 6 months of age.

The other options describe different reflexes or responses that do not correspond to the Moro reflex, such as flexing limbs or turning the head to one side, which are associated with different physical reactions or development milestones. For instance, the flexion of limbs may refer to other reflexes present in newborns, but it does not capture the essence of the Moro reflex's reaction to disturbance. Turning the head to one side is characteristic of the rooting reflex, and the opening of the mouth when feeding represents the oral reflexes present during feeding. Therefore, the embrace response accurately defines the Moro reflex as a critical aspect of an infant’s early motor development and response to stimuli.