Which reflex is characterized by toes fanning when the sole is stroked?

Which reflex is characterized by toes fanning when the sole is stroked?

• A. Babinski reflex
• B. Grasping reflex
• C. Moro reflex
• D. Rooting reflex

Answer: (A)

The Babinski reflex, a plantar response, is shown when the sole is stroked and the toes fan out (often with dorsiflexion of the big toe). In infants, this upward toe movement is a normal response because the corticospinal tract is not yet fully myelinated. In adults, a persistent Babinski sign indicates a potential upper motor neuron or pyramidal tract issue. The other reflexes involve different patterns: grasping of the fingers, the Moro startle response with arm extension and then inward, and rooting the head toward a cheek stimulus to find a nipple. Because the description focuses on the toes fanning in response to stroking the sole, this is the Babinski reflex.

The Babinski reflex, a plantar response, is shown when the sole is stroked and the toes fan out (often with dorsiflexion of the big toe). In infants, this upward toe movement is a normal response because the corticospinal tract is not yet fully myelinated. In adults, a persistent Babinski sign indicates a potential upper motor neuron or pyramidal tract issue. The other reflexes involve different patterns: grasping of the fingers, the Moro startle response with arm extension and then inward, and rooting the head toward a cheek stimulus to find a nipple. Because the description focuses on the toes fanning in response to stroking the sole, this is the Babinski reflex.