Which reflex involves an infant gripping a finger placed in their palm?

The palmar reflex is the involuntary response observed in infants when an object, such as a finger, is placed in their palm. In reaction, the infant will automatically close their fingers around the object and grip it tightly. This reflex is an important indicator of neurological development in newborns and typically begins to manifest during the first few months of life. As the child grows and develops more voluntary motor control, this reflex diminishes and eventually fades away.

Other reflexes mentioned serve different functions. For example, the rooting reflex is associated with an infant's tendency to turn their head and open their mouth in response to being stroked on the cheek, which aids in breastfeeding. The Moro reflex is a startle reflex triggered by loud noises or sudden movements, where an infant throws their arms out and then quickly retracts them. The withdraw reflex involves pulling away from painful stimuli, indicating a protection mechanism rather than a gripping action. Understanding these distinct reflexes aids in recognizing normal developmental milestones in infants.