Psychology Roots 213
Babinski reflex
the reflex occurring in a healthy infant in which the big toe extends upward and the other toes fan out when the sole of the foot is gently stimulated. This response is elicited in newborns to monitor central nervous system development. The Babinski reflex is normal up to about 2 years of age; in adults, it is an indication of neurological disorder and called Babinski’s sign. [Joseph F. Babinski (1857–1932), French neurologist]
