Which reflex is stimulated by touching the lips?

• A. Grip reflex
• B. Rooting reflex
• C. Startle reflex
• D. Sucking reflex

Answer: (D)

Touching the lips triggers the sucking reflex, an automatic feeding response in newborns. When the lips or nearby oral structures are stimulated, the baby makes rhythmic sucking motions to help draw in milk. This is different from the rooting reflex, which causes the infant to turn toward a touch on the cheek or lip in search of a nipple, preparing to feed but not producing the sucking rhythm itself. The startle reflex (Moro) is a protective response to sudden stimuli, with arm movements and crying, not mouth-sparing action. The grip reflex is a palmar response to pressure on the hand, unrelated to the lips or feeding.