Early in neonatal development, a variety of reflexes are
present. These are supressed in turn, facilitating motor
development. In adults these primitive reflexes can be
unmasked by brain pathology.
Some of these reflexes are obviously adaptive:
Rooting/sucking reflexes- faciliting feeding Moro reflex-
mimising trauma from small falls
Others are more mysterious: ATVR- which prevent the infant
rolling in the direction it is facing due to extension of
the arm. Palmar grasp- may have a role in other primates
Plantar grasp- may have a role in other primates Babinski
reflex- ? Palmar-mental reflex- stroking the palm causes
contraction of muscles near the chin stepping reflex- when
held in a standing position neonates reflexivly attempt to
walk, they cannot support their weight and lose this reflex
long before walking age. Startle reflex-
Has anyone though about the adaptive roles of some of these
more mysterious reflexes. Presumably many are vestigial
reflexes more useful to other primates, others are more
elusive to explaination. Any ideas? A peadiatric consultant
I recently spoke to considered these reflexs as inhibitory
actions, delaying development until CNs maturation occurs. I
welcome any thoughts in this also. Thanks, AL Griskaitis,
Westmead Hospital, Australia