Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment

Startle Reflex

A complex involuntary response to an unexpected strong stimulus. The reaction involves physical movement away from the stimulus, MUSCLE CONTRACTION and limb flexion, BLINKING, and changes in HEART RATE, BLOOD PRESSURE, and RESPIRATION.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A complex involuntary response to an unexpected strong stimulus. The reaction involves physical movement away from the stimulus, MUSCLE CONTRACTION and limb flexion, BLINKING, and changes in HEART RATE, BLOOD PRESSURE, and RESPIRATION.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

Knowledge Graph

Loading graph…

Drag nodes to rearrange; hover to trace links; click a node to open its page.

MeSH Record

See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

14 entry terms
  • Reflex, Startle
  • Startle Reaction
  • Startle Response
  • Reaction, Startle
  • Reactions, Startle
  • Response, Startle
  • Responses, Startle
  • Startle Reactions
  • Startle Responses
  • Acoustic Startle Reflex
  • Reflex, Moro
  • Moro Reflex
  • Reflex, Acoustic Startle
  • Startle Reflex, Acoustic

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

6 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, ethics, genetics, immunology, physiology, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

human & animal

MeSH Record

History Note

2015(1954); use STARTLE REACTION 1966-2014, use REFLEX 1954-1965

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. E01w.370.376.550w.650w.800w
  2. E01w.370.600w.550w.650w.800w
  3. F02w.830w.702w.807w
  4. G11.561.731w.869w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

WL 106

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Startle Reflex. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D013216. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D013216
  2. Startle Reflex. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Startle_response
  3. Startle Reflex. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q430986