Which list includes reflexes present at birth?

Which list includes reflexes present at birth?

• A. Gag reflex not present at birth
• B. Sucking/rooting, palmar grasp, plantar grasp, Moro, tonic neck/fencer, Babinski, and stepping
• C. Palmar grasp only
• D. Gag reflex present at birth

Answer: (B)

Neonatal reflexes reveal that the nervous system is intact and functioning at birth. A healthy newborn typically shows several primitive reflexes right away, and these reflexes support feeding, protection, and early motor patterns. The comprehensive set of reflexes present at birth includes sucking and rooting (to help with feeding), palmar and plantar grasp (grasping), Moro (startle response), tonic neck or fencer position (head turn with same-side arm and leg extended), Babinski (toes fan and big toe extends when the sole is stroked), and stepping (a spontaneous walking motion when held upright). This collection best reflects what should be present at birth. The gag reflex is also present, but listing it alone or excluding the others would not capture the full range expected in a newborn.

Neonatal reflexes reveal that the nervous system is intact and functioning at birth. A healthy newborn typically shows several primitive reflexes right away, and these reflexes support feeding, protection, and early motor patterns. The comprehensive set of reflexes present at birth includes sucking and rooting (to help with feeding), palmar and plantar grasp (grasping), Moro (startle response), tonic neck or fencer position (head turn with same-side arm and leg extended), Babinski (toes fan and big toe extends when the sole is stroked), and stepping (a spontaneous walking motion when held upright). This collection best reflects what should be present at birth. The gag reflex is also present, but listing it alone or excluding the others would not capture the full range expected in a newborn.