What occurs during the Moro reflex in infants?

During the Moro reflex, infants exhibit a distinctive response when they are startled, usually by a sudden noise or movement. This reflex involves the infant arching their back, extending their arms and legs outward, and then quickly bringing their limbs back towards their body. It is a protective instinct designed to help the infant react to perceived dangers in their environment.

This reflex is an important part of infant development and is typically present from birth and usually diminishes around the age of 2 to 4 months as the infant's nervous system matures. The other options reflect different responses and behaviors that are characteristic of infants but do not accurately describe the Moro reflex itself. For example, laughing at loud noises or smiling in response to touch involves social and emotional development rather than the reflexive actions seen in the Moro reflex, while turning towards a light source pertains to sensory orientation.