6.6k views
4 votes
How long is the Tonic neck reflex present?

a) Birth to 2 months
b) Birth to 4 months
c) Birth to 6 months
d) Birth to 8 months

User Abaza
by
8.1k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The Tonic neck reflex lasts from birth until about four to five months of age and is one of the inborn automatic responses that disappear as an infant's brain and motor skills develop.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Tonic neck reflex is a newborn reflex that is generally present from birth and lasts until the infant is about four to five months old. This reflex, also known as the 'fencing position,' occurs when a baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out, and the opposite arm bends at the elbow. It is one of several reflexes that are crucial for a baby's survival during early development. Like other newborn reflexes, it helps in the brain development process and typically disappears as the infant matures and develops more complex motor skills.

In most healthy babies, this reflex along with others like the grasping reflex and Moro reflex, disappears as they age, signaling proper brain and motor development. Hence, the correct answer to how long the Tonic neck reflex is present is b) Birth to 4 months.

User Emre Akcan
by
8.2k points