Parachute reflex is tested by which scenario?

Parachute reflex is tested by which scenario?

• A. Startle response to a loud noise
• B. Head lowered toward a surface, arms extend forward to support
• C. Child sitting and bending forward to touch toes
• D. Standing with feet together and eyes closed

Answer: (B)

Parachute reflex is a protective extension response that occurs when the head is moved toward a surface or the infant is tipped forward. It’s tested by tilting the child forward so the head approaches a surface and observing the arms extending forward to brace and support. This reflex reflects protective CNS integration and emerges in infancy as a guardian response to potential falls. In contrast, a sudden startle to a loud noise is the Moro reflex, not protective extension; bending forward to touch toes is a voluntary trunk movement, not a reflex; and standing with feet together with eyes closed tests balance/proprioception (Romberg), not a reflexive arm extension.

Parachute reflex is a protective extension response that occurs when the head is moved toward a surface or the infant is tipped forward. It’s tested by tilting the child forward so the head approaches a surface and observing the arms extending forward to brace and support. This reflex reflects protective CNS integration and emerges in infancy as a guardian response to potential falls.

In contrast, a sudden startle to a loud noise is the Moro reflex, not protective extension; bending forward to touch toes is a voluntary trunk movement, not a reflex; and standing with feet together with eyes closed tests balance/proprioception (Romberg), not a reflexive arm extension.