Palmar grasp reflex

Palmar grasp reflex is a primitive reflex found in infants of humans and most primates. This reflex is one of the first reflexes to develop and is present at birth. It is a natural, automatic response to a stimulus, such as a touch on the palm of the hand, which causes the hand to close into a grasp.

Overview

The palmar grasp reflex is triggered when an object is placed in the infant's hand and strokes their palm. The fingers will close reflexively around the object to hold it firmly. This reflex is strongest in the first two months of life and usually disappears around the age of 6 months. It is replaced by the more mature pincer grasp.

Function

The primary function of the palmar grasp reflex is to prepare the infant for voluntary grasping later in life. It also serves as a survival mechanism, allowing infants to hold onto their mother's fur in non-human primates.

Clinical significance

The presence and strength of the palmar grasp reflex can be used as a diagnostic tool in neurology. An absent or weak reflex may indicate a problem with the central nervous system, while a persisting reflex can be a sign of neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy.

See also

• Moro reflex
• Rooting reflex
• Babinski reflex
• Primitive reflexes

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