What reflex involves turning heads aside with arm and leg flexion to the non-facing side?

The reflex characterized by turning the head to one side while flexing the arm and leg on the non-facing side is known as the Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR). This reflex typically emerges in infants around 1-2 months of age and can be observed until about 6 months of age. When the infant's head turns to one side, the arm and leg on that same side extend, while the opposite limbs flex. This reflex is significant in promoting unilateral movement and assists in the early development of hand-eye coordination.

The presence of the ATNR is considered a normal part of development, but its persistence beyond certain developmental milestones can indicate potential neurological issues. Understanding this reflex is important for recognizing typical infant motor development and assessing neurological health.

In contrast, other options do not exhibit the same pattern of movement associated with head turning and limb flexion or extension. For instance, the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) involves different actions, such as extending the arms and flexing the legs when the head is tilted forward and vice versa. The Moro reflex, which occurs when an infant is startled, involves a spread of arms and legs and then bringing them back in, rather than distinct limb movement in response to head turning. The