hjernestammesreflekser

Hjernestammesreflekser, also known as brainstem reflexes, are involuntary motor responses that originate in the brainstem. These reflexes are crucial for survival, playing a role in basic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and maintaining posture. They are mediated by neural pathways located within the brainstem and are typically present from birth.

Examples of common hjernestammesreflekser include the gag reflex, which prevents choking, and the pupillary light reflex, which adjusts pupil size in response to light intensity. The rooting reflex, observed in infants, helps them locate a nipple for feeding. Another example is the Moro reflex, a startle response to a sudden stimulus.

These reflexes are often assessed by healthcare professionals to evaluate neurological development and function, particularly in infants and individuals with suspected brainstem damage. The presence, absence, or abnormal persistence of certain brainstem reflexes can indicate underlying neurological issues. As a child develops, many of these primitive reflexes are integrated and replaced by voluntary motor control. However, some, like the pupillary light reflex, remain throughout life.