Moro reflex /môr″ō/ [Ernst Moro, German pediatrician, 1874–1951] , a normal mass reflex in a young infant (up to 3 to 4 months of age) elicited by a sudden loud noise, such as by striking the table next to the child or by raising the head slightly and allowing it to drop. A normal response consists of flexion of the legs, an embracing posture of the arms, and usually a brief cry. Also called startle reflex.
