Reflexes


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Reflexes


Reflexes are automatic body movements that are not under a person's control. Some reflexes last throughout life, such as the physical response to being startled, while others go away as the nervous system matures, such as the rooting reflex of newborns that helps them latch on to the breast or bottle for feeding.

Reflexes can be affected by injury, disease, and some medications.

Credits


Author Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
Last Updated April 6, 2007

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Last updated: April 06, 2007
Author: Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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