Name two primitive reflexes present at birth and indicate which typically disappears by around 4-6 months.

Name two primitive reflexes present at birth and indicate which typically disappears by around 4-6 months.

• A. Moro reflex and rooting reflex; disappear by 8-12 months.
• B. Babinski reflex and stepping reflex; disappear by 8-12 months.
• C. Moro reflex and rooting reflex; disappear by 8-12 months.
• D. Moro reflex and rooting reflex; disappear by 4-6 months.

Answer: (D)

Primitive reflexes present at birth help the newborn respond automatically to the environment, and they fade as the nervous system matures to allow more voluntary control. The Moro reflex (a sudden arm bend outward when startled) and the rooting reflex (turning toward a stroked cheek and seeking a breast or bottle) are classic examples that are evident at birth and typically integrate by about 4–6 months. This timing reflects the shift from reflexive, brainstem-driven actions to coordinated, voluntary movement as higher brain functions develop. Other options mix reflexes that don’t share the same birth presence or that disappear on a different timeline, so they don’t align with the 4–6 month window as cleanly as the Moro and rooting combination.

Primitive reflexes present at birth help the newborn respond automatically to the environment, and they fade as the nervous system matures to allow more voluntary control. The Moro reflex (a sudden arm bend outward when startled) and the rooting reflex (turning toward a stroked cheek and seeking a breast or bottle) are classic examples that are evident at birth and typically integrate by about 4–6 months. This timing reflects the shift from reflexive, brainstem-driven actions to coordinated, voluntary movement as higher brain functions develop. Other options mix reflexes that don’t share the same birth presence or that disappear on a different timeline, so they don’t align with the 4–6 month window as cleanly as the Moro and rooting combination.