For a newborn to achieve a score of 2 for muscle tone on the APGAR scale, what must they demonstrate?

To achieve a score of 2 for muscle tone on the APGAR scale, a newborn must demonstrate movement that indicates a robust level of neuromuscular activity. Moving spontaneously reflects that the infant possesses good muscle tone and is active, which is a vital sign of health and a responsive nervous system. A score of 2 essentially represents optimal performance in this category, showing that the infant is exhibiting full movement rather than being passive or rigid. The other conditions do not meet the criteria for a full score; passive movement indicates a lack of active control, normal flexion suggests a moderate level of tone, and muscle rigidity can reflect issues that may be related to central nervous system problems. Thus, spontaneous movement is the hallmark of a healthy score for muscle tone on the APGAR scale.