Which reflex involves fanning and curling the toes when the sole is stroked?

Which reflex involves fanning and curling the toes when the sole is stroked?

• A. Sucking Reflex
• B. Rooting Reflex
• C. Babinski Reflex
• D. Moro Reflex

Answer: (C)

The Babinski reflex is elicited by stroking the sole of the foot; it produces distinctive toe movements. Specifically, the big toe extends upward and the other toes fan outward when the lateral sole is stroked. This toe fanning with extension is the hallmark of the Babinski response. In infants, this pattern is normal because their nervous system hasn’t fully matured yet. As development progresses, the typical response becomes downward curling of the toes (the plantar reflex), and the presence of toe extension with fanning in older individuals can indicate corticospinal tract issues. Other reflexes listed involve different responses: the sucking reflex is a rhythmic sucking movement triggered by oral stimulation; the rooting reflex is turning the head toward a cheek touch to seek a nipple; the Moro reflex is a startle-like spreading and then bringing in of the arms in response to a loud stimulus. The toe fanning and extension in response to sole stimulation specifically point to the Babinski reflex.

The Babinski reflex is elicited by stroking the sole of the foot; it produces distinctive toe movements. Specifically, the big toe extends upward and the other toes fan outward when the lateral sole is stroked. This toe fanning with extension is the hallmark of the Babinski response. In infants, this pattern is normal because their nervous system hasn’t fully matured yet. As development progresses, the typical response becomes downward curling of the toes (the plantar reflex), and the presence of toe extension with fanning in older individuals can indicate corticospinal tract issues. Other reflexes listed involve different responses: the sucking reflex is a rhythmic sucking movement triggered by oral stimulation; the rooting reflex is turning the head toward a cheek touch to seek a nipple; the Moro reflex is a startle-like spreading and then bringing in of the arms in response to a loud stimulus. The toe fanning and extension in response to sole stimulation specifically point to the Babinski reflex.