Final answer:
The Galant reflex, or Truncal incurvation reflex, is a neurological sign in which stroking along one side of the infant's spine causes the baby to curve toward that side, used to assess the intactness of the reflex arc and neurological development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Truncal incurvation reflex, also known as the Galant reflex, is a superficial spinal reflex observed in newborns, which is commonly used to assess neuromuscular function. To elicit this reflex, a healthcare provider strokes along one side of the infant's spine while the infant is held in a prone position. This action should cause the infant to curve toward the stimulated side, indicating an intact reflex arc and proper neurological development. The Galant reflex typically disappears after the first few months of life as the nervous system matures. It is one of the many reflexes examined during the neurological exam to ascertain the status of the lower motor neurons (LMN).