Question

Marisol is an infant. Her mother picks her up and gently strokes the side of her cheek, which makes Marisol turn her head to the side of the cheek that was stroked. This is an example of the __________ reflex.

Answer 1

Marisol's turning her head in response to her cheek being stroked is an example of the rooting reflex, which is vital for a newborn's feeding and survival.

Step-by-step explanation:

Marisol is displaying the rooting reflex, which is a newborn's response to anything that touches their cheek. When Marisol's mother strokes her cheek and she turns her head toward it, it showcases an instinctual behavior aimed at helping her locate and latch onto a nipple to feed. This reflex, along with others like the sucking reflex and the grasping reflex, are vital for a newborn's survival, ensuring they can feed effectively and maintain physical closeness with their caregiver, which is essential for their nourishment, comfort, and protection in their first few months of life.