What characteristics of an infant's physical condition are assessed by the apgar test?

APGAR: The apgar score stands for: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration. more details on the apgar score (usually give twice after birth, at 1 and 5 minutes of age) can be found here: http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/q_a/apgar.html

Quick assessment: Virginia Apgar, an early neonatologist, described a rapid assessment score using the letters of her name. Appearance (color), pulse (rate), grimace (response to stimulus), activity (spontaneous), respiratory (effort). Each feature scored 0-2 gave a scale of how fast or much needed to be done for baby to help them get going. Low score, lots, high score, nothing.