PSYCH 2AA3 Lecture Notes - Primitive Reflexes, Synaptic Pruning, Visual Acuity
12 Jun 2013
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Sucking reflex: in utero and at birth. Stepping reflex: in utero and at birth, reflexive pushing off that prepares for walking. Adaptive reflexes: disappear during first year of life. Swallowing: preparing the digestive track and source of nutrients at birth. Rooting: automatic turning of head towards a touch on the cheek and tries to suck on it: weaker reflex, promotes feeding. Weak or absent reflexes warn of possible neuronal development problems. Some disappear or are replaced as their purpose are no longer necessary. If the reflexes have not disappeared it could be a sign of brain damage. Emerge gradually in early weeks of life. Cephalocaudal development proceeds from head to toe: able to hold up head, sitting up; holding up the trunk, development proceeds towards the toes and control to work towards standing and walking. Proximodistal development proceeds from the trunk out towards the fingers: infant learns to control the trunk then gross motor movement following fine motor movements.
