moro reflex

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Explanation of "Moro Reflex"

Definition:
The "Moro reflex" is a natural reaction that some babies have, especially when they are very young (usually up to about 3-4 months old). When a loud noise occurs or if they feel like they are falling, babies will suddenly stretch out their arms and legs, and then quickly pull them back in. This reflex is a way for babies to protect themselves.

Advanced Usage:

• In medical discussions, you might hear the term used to assess a baby's neurological development. For example:
  • "The pediatrician checked the Moro reflex to ensure the infant's nervous system is functioning properly."

Word Variants:

• Moro: The term comes from "Moro," which refers to a specific type of reflex named after the pediatrician who described it.
• Reflex: This word can stand alone and refers to an automatic response to a stimulus.

Different Meanings:

• "Reflex" can refer to other types of automatic movements in the body, not just in infants. For example, blinking when something comes close to your eyes is also a reflex.

Synonyms:

• Startle reflex (a more general term that can apply to all ages, not just infants)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "Moro reflex," you might hear phrases like:
  • "Jumping at shadows," which refers to being easily startled, similar to how a baby reacts with the Moro reflex.

Summary:

The "Moro reflex" is an important part of how infants react to sudden stimuli.

Academic

Noun

1. a normal reflex of young infants; a sudden loud noise causes the child to stretch out the arms and flex the legs

Synonyms

• startle reflex
• Moro reflex