Landau reflex
Landau Reflex
The Landau reflex (pronounced: lan-dow ree-flex) is a primitive reflex found in infants and is considered a normal part of infant development. This reflex is named after the German neurologist, Ernst Moro, who first described it in 1921.
Etymology
The term "Landau reflex" is derived from the name of the German neurologist, Paul Julius Möbius, who first described this reflex. The term "reflex" comes from the Latin reflexus, meaning "bent back", referring to the automatic nature of the response.
Description
The Landau reflex is a postural reflex that appears around 3 months of age and lasts until about 12-24 months. When the infant is held in a horizontal prone suspension (i.e., lying face down), the baby should extend its head and arch its back, lifting its legs up. This reflex is a sign of normal motor development and is absent in cases of spinal cord injury or motor neuron disease.
Related Terms
- Primitive reflexes: These are reflexes that are present at birth and disappear as the child grows. They include the Moro reflex, rooting reflex, and sucking reflex among others.
- Infant development: This refers to the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth that occurs in humans between birth and the end of adolescence.
- Spinal cord injury: This is damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal, often resulting in permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury.
- Motor neuron disease: This is a group of diseases that cause the nerves in the spine and brain to lose function over time. They include Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) among others.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Landau reflex
- Wikipedia's article - Landau reflex
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