When young infants are touched on the cheek,they reflexively turn their heads in the direction of the stimulus and begin to "mouth" toward the stimulus.This response is known as the _______ reflex.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This question describes the rooting reflex, which is a reflexive movement of an infant's head in response to a touch on their cheek or mouth. The rooting reflex is important for facilitating feeding and is present in newborns from around 28 weeks gestational age. Option A, sensorimotor, is a broader term that refers to the developmental stage during which infants learn to coordinate their sensory experiences with their motor actions. Option B, neonatal, simply refers to the first few weeks of a newborn's life. Option C, sucking, is a related reflex that occurs when something is placed in an infant's mouth, causing them to suck rhythmically.

When Young Infants Are Touched on the Cheek,they Reflexively Turn