Responses to Optic and Exteroceptive Stimuli in Relation to State in the Human Newborn: Habituation of the Blink Reflex

The study of responses to sensory stimulation in the newborn by controlled techniques facilitates insight into regulatory functions. These are dependent upon behavioral state and may vary with the sensory modality tested. 50 newborns were investigated. During regular sleep habituation to optic and exteroceptive stimuli occurred, measurable as progressive diminution of the blink reflex. Simultaneously discriminative abilities and their limitations became evident.

Newborn - behavioral state - habituation - discrimination