Midbrain Reactions and Postural Control

Study Notes

Midbrain Reactions

Also referred to as Righting Reactions (RR), these interactions establish normal head and body relationships in space and alignment.
Key for developing postural control and the ability to change positions in space.

Labyrinthine Righting Reactions (LRR)

Appear between 1-2 months of age and persist throughout life.
Functions in various positions: supine, prone, sitting, and lateral tilting.
Example: Helps infants clear their airways while in a prone position.

Neck Righting Reaction (NRR)

Facilitates movement by using the head as a key point of control (KPC).
Body movement follows the position of the neck.
Present from birth to 6 months of age.

Body Righting Reactions (RR)

Body RR acting on the body provides segmental rotation (especially in the trunk).
Observable from 6 to 18 months of age.
Body RR acting on the head aids in maintaining head positioning in space.
In prone, abdominal pressure and arm support assist with head control and extensor tone.

Optic Righting Reaction

Integrated at both mid-brain and cortical levels.
Begins to appear from 6 months and remains present into adulthood.

Amphibian Reaction

Occurs when a child in prone position lifts their pelvis, resulting in flexion of the arm and leg on the same side.
Present from 6 months of age and maintained throughout life.

Description

Explore the essential midbrain reactions known as righting reactions, crucial for establishing normal head and body alignment in space. This quiz covers the development and importance of Labyrinthine Righting Reactions, which emerge in infancy and persist throughout life. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in body positioning.