The infant's startle response to sudden or intense noise or movement is known as what?

• A. Babinski Reflex
• B. Sucking Reflex
• C. Moro Reflex
• D. Rooting Reflex

Answer: (C)

The essential idea here is neonatal primitive reflexes, specifically the one that acts as a quick startle to abrupt stimuli. The Moro reflex, also called the startle reflex, is triggered by a sudden loud noise or a sensation of falling. When this happens, the infant instinctively throws the arms out and then brings them back in, often with crying. This response is normal in newborns and typically fades by about 4 to 6 months as the nervous system matures. It’s different from other reflexes: the Babinski reflex involves the toes fanning when the sole is stroked, the sucking reflex is the automatic sucking motion when something touches the lips, and the rooting reflex is turning the head toward a touch on the cheek to find the nipple.