Moro Reflex
Definition
The Moro reflex is an infantile reflex normally present in all infants/newborns up to 3 or 4 months old as a response to sudden loss of support when the infant feels as if it is falling. It involves three distinct components - spreading out the arms, pulling the arms in, and usually crying.
Analogy
Imagine you're on a roller coaster and suddenly there's a steep drop. You'd probably throw your hands up and then clutch them to your chest while screaming. That's similar to what babies do when they experience the Moro reflex!
Related terms
Startle Reflex: This is an involuntary response to a sudden or threatening stimulus.
Sensory Integration: This is the process by which we receive information through our senses, organize this information, and use it to participate in everyday activities.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders: These are disorders that impair the growth and development of the brain or central nervous system.
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