What reflex is triggered when the sole of an infant's foot is stroked, causing their toes to fan out?

The reflex triggered when the sole of an infant's foot is stroked, leading to the fanning out of their toes, is known as the Babinski reflex. This reflex is a vital neurological response in infants, indicating healthy development of the central nervous system. The response typically occurs in infants up to about 24 months of age, after which it usually disappears as the child matures.

The Babinski reflex serves as an important indicator for pediatricians and early childhood educators to assess the neurological status of infants. When the sole of the foot is stimulated, the nervous system prompts a response that causes the big toe to extend and the other toes to fan out. This reaction is a normal part of infant reflexology and signifies that the brain and spinal cord are functioning correctly.

Other reflexes mentioned, such as the palmar grasp reflex, which involves the curling of an infant's fingers around an object placed in their hand, the Moro reflex, which is a startle response to sudden stimuli, and the stepping reflex, which involves the infant making stepping motions when held upright with their feet touching a solid surface, do not relate specifically to the stimulation of the foot's sole and the reaction of toe fanning. Thus, the Babinski reflex is the