Infant Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards
6 cards from real PMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Infant Anatomy & Physiology flashcards as text
A child's respiratory rate is typically _____ compared to an adult's.
Answer: Faster
Children breathe faster than adults; a normal respiratory rate for an infant is 30–60 breaths per minute versus 12–20 for adults.
Which protective spinal reflex, present in infants, should a therapist be aware of when working near the spine?
Answer: Landau reflex
The Landau reflex involves extension of the spine and limbs when the infant is held prone; awareness prevents startling the child during back massage.
Lymph nodes in children are generally:
Answer: Larger and more palpable than in adults
Children's lymph nodes are often larger and more palpable than adults' because the immune system is actively developing.
The Babinski reflex (upward fanning of toes when the sole is stroked) is normal in children up to approximately:
Answer: 2 years
The Babinski reflex is a normal finding in children up to about 2 years of age due to incomplete myelination of the corticospinal tract.
Which skin characteristic in newborns requires a therapist to use extra caution and minimal pressure?
Answer: Thin and fragile skin with a less developed acid mantle
Newborn skin is thinner and the acid mantle is less developed, making it more vulnerable to irritation, infection, and product reactions.
At what age do infants typically gain voluntary head control?
Answer: 4 months
Most infants achieve full head control by approximately 4 months of age, which is important for positioning during massage.