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The Wikipedia article on primitive reflexes states that they originate in the CNS. So far, I haven't been able to find precisely where in the CNS any of these reflexes originate. Here's the list of reflexes:

  • Moro
  • Walking/stepping
  • Rooting
  • Sucking
  • Tonic neck
  • Palmar grasp
  • Plantar
  • Galant
  • Swimming
  • Babkin

What is the neural basis of any one of the primitive reflexes? Be as specific as posible.

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This is not one question. – Artem Kaznatcheev Jul 14 '12 at 18:05
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Asking "where" may not be as meaningful as you think, as many of these are not "reflexes" in the traditional sense (compared to something like the patellar tendon reflex). Something like the swimming reflex might be composed of several spinal pattern generator circuits, which are difficult to isolate in humans. – Chuck Sherrington Jul 14 '12 at 20:07
The plantar is probably a good angle from which to start investigating these phenomena, as there's plenty of information about its origins and its manifestation in stroke victims or other victims of upper motorneuronal damage. – Chuck Sherrington Jul 14 '12 at 20:08

closed as not a real question by Artem Kaznatcheev, Chuck Sherrington, Ben Brocka, Steven Jeuris♦ Aug 20 '12 at 14:50

It's difficult to tell what is being asked here. This question is ambiguous, vague, incomplete, overly broad, or rhetorical and cannot be reasonably answered in its current form. For help clarifying this question so that it can be reopened, see the FAQ.

1 Answer

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It seems that there is not much research concerning the anatomical localization of primitive reflexes. For instance, Schott & Rossor (2003) state in the conclusion of their review

The complexity of many of these responses makes it perhaps unsurprising that detailed anatomical localisation, despite the availability of structural and functional imaging, has in general not been possible.

However, at least for the grasp reflex, they discuss an involvement of frontal areas.

References
Schott, JM Rossor M (2003). The grasp and other primitive reflexes. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 74(5): 558–560. [DOI] [PDF]

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AFAIK, the involvement of the frontal areas is that they inhibit primitive reflexes. – John Pick Jul 18 '12 at 18:08
I only recited what they wrote. But actually I think the same like you. – H.Muster Jul 18 '12 at 18:17

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