What occurs when an infant's head support is released, causing their arms to fling out?

The Moro reflex occurs when an infant experiences a sudden loss of support, causing them to flail their arms outwards and then bring them back together as if embracing. This reflex is an automatic response to help infants cope with perceived threats or sudden changes in their environment, indicating a primitive survival instinct.

The Moro reflex can be observed in infants typically up to about 6 months of age, representing a normal part of their neurological development. This response demonstrates the infant's innate ability to react to stimuli even though they lack full control over their motor functions.

Understanding the Moro reflex is essential for caregivers and educators, as it helps them recognize typical developmental milestones and identify when further evaluation may be necessary if reflexes are absent or appear atypical.