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An In Vitro Preparation for Eliciting and Recording Feeding Motor Programs with Physiological Movements in Aplysia californica
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An In Vitro Preparation for Eliciting and Recording Feeding Motor Programs with Physiological Movements in Aplysia californica

Published on: December 5, 2012

Ontogeny of infantile oral reflexes and emerging chewing

J J Sheppard, E D Mysak

    Child Development
    |June 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study observed infant oral reflexes and chewing development from 1 to 35 weeks. Oral reflexes and chewing behaviors evolve in complexity and movement patterns during early infancy.

    Area of Science:

    • Infant development
    • Oral motor skills
    • Neuroscience

    Background:

    • Early oral behaviors in infants are crucial for feeding and development.
    • Understanding the ontogeny of oral reflexes and chewing provides insight into motor control development.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To document the developmental trajectory of oral reflexes and chewing behaviors in normal infants.
    • To analyze the changes in movement patterns and complexity of these behaviors over the first 35 weeks of life.

    Main Methods:

    • Observation and videotaping of 2 normal infants from 1 to 35 weeks of age.
    • Analysis of reflex responses and emerging chewing movements using slow-motion playback.
    • Systematic documentation of specific oral reflexes (rooting, lip, tongue, etc.) and chewing components.

    Main Results:

    • Oral reflexes (rooting, lip, tongue, Babkin) were present and evolved in complexity up to 35 weeks.
    • Chewing behaviors emerged sequentially, including mandibular movements, tongue lateralization, and bolus transport.
    • Both reflexes and chewing involved similar movements but differed in frequency and stimulus-response dynamics.

    Conclusions:

    • Infant oral reflexes and chewing behaviors undergo significant developmental changes in early life.
    • The observed patterns suggest a complex interplay between innate reflexes and developing motor control for mastication.
    • Further research can explore variations and clinical implications of these developmental milestones.

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