The rooting reflex in newborns is:

A Grasping objects placed in the palm

B Turning the head toward a stimulus touching the cheek

C Startling at loud noises

D Stepping movements when held upright

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

The rooting reflex: stroking a newborn cheek causes them to turn toward the stimulus and open their mouth — adaptive for breastfeeding.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "The rooting reflex in newborns is:" is Option B: Turning the head toward a stimulus touching the cheek.

The other options — A) Grasping objects placed in the palm, C) Startling at loud noises, D) Stepping movements when held upright — are incorrect for this MCAT Exam Prep question. As explained above: The rooting reflex: stroking a newborn cheek causes them to turn toward the stimulus and open their mouth — adaptive for breastfeeding.

📚 About This MCAT Exam Prep Practice Question

This 1-level MCAT Exam Prep question from the Psychological, Social & Biological Foundations topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free MCAT Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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The rooting reflex in newborns is:

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

📚 About This MCAT Exam Prep Practice Question

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