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Reflexes

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content provided by Healthwise

Reflexes are automatic body movements that are not under a person's control. Some reflexes last throughout life, such as the physical response to being startled, while others go away as the nervous system matures, such as the rooting reflex of newborns that helps them latch on to the breast or bottle for feeding.

Reflexes can be affected by injury, disease, and some medications.

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Last Updated: April 6, 2007
Author:
Debby Golonka, MPH
Medical Review:
Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics

Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics


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