List of reflexes

List of Reflexes

A reflex is an involuntary and nearly instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus. Reflexes are crucial for survival as they enable quick reactions to potential threats. This article provides a comprehensive list of reflexes in humans and animals.

Human Reflexes

A diagram of a typical reflex arc

Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes are reflexes that are exhibited by normal infants, but not often by adults. They include:

• Moro reflex - This reflex is present at birth and disappears around 3-4 months of age. It involves a startled response to sudden changes in sensory stimuli.
• Rooting reflex - This reflex assists in breastfeeding. When the corner of a baby's mouth is stroked, the baby will turn its head and open its mouth to follow and "root" in the direction of the stroking.
• Sucking reflex - This reflex causes a baby to suck when an object is placed in its mouth or touches its lips.

Postural Reflexes

Postural reflexes help us maintain balance and posture. They include:

• Righting reflex - This reflex helps to maintain the body's orientation in space and restore the normal position after being displaced.
• Stretch reflex - This reflex helps to maintain muscle tone and protect the body from muscle damage.

Spinal Reflexes

Spinal reflexes are those that do not require input from the brain. They include:

• Patellar reflex - This reflex is elicited by a tap on the patellar tendon, which stretches the quadriceps muscle of the thigh, causing it to contract and the lower leg to kick forward.
• Withdrawal reflex - This reflex occurs when the body withdraws from a painful stimulus.

Animal Reflexes

Animals also exhibit a variety of reflexes, some of which are similar to human reflexes. They include:

• Righting reflex - This reflex is present in cats and allows them to land on their feet when they fall.
• Gag reflex - This reflex prevents animals from choking or swallowing potentially harmful substances.
• Pupillary light reflex - This reflex controls the diameter of the pupil in response to the intensity of light that falls on the retina.

See Also

• Nervous system
• Neurology
• Physiology