Which primitive neonatal reflex is elicited by allowing the infant's head to gently drop back a few centimeters, resulting in sudden abduction and extension of the arms followed by adduction and crying?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Moro reflex

  1. Step 1: The Moro reflex is a normal primitive vestibular-motor response present at birth that normally disappears by 4 to 6 months of age.
  2. Step 2: It is elicited by sudden loss of head support, causing symmetric extension and abduction of the upper limbs with open hands, followed by flexion and crying.
  3. Step 3: An asymmetric Moro reflex indicates brachial plexus injury (Erb's palsy) or fractured clavicle.
Answer
Moro reflex.
Why not the others: 'Palmar grasp reflex' is elicited by stroking the infant's palm, causing spontaneous finger flexion; 'Asymmetric tonic neck reflex' ('fencer position') occurs when turning the head to one side; 'Babinski reflex' is dorsiflexion of the great toe upon stroking the sole.

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