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Health Library

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Reflexes

Reflexes are automatic body movements that are not under a person's control. Some reflexes last throughout life, such as the physical response to being startled, while others go away as the nervous system matures, such as the rooting reflex of newborns that helps them latch on to the breast or bottle for feeding.

Reflexes can be affected by injury, disease, and some medicines.

Current as of: December 20, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.