What is the term for the protective reflex in infants when stimulated at the lips?

The rooting reflex is the correct response to this question as it is the specific reflex in infants that occurs when their lips or cheek are stimulated. When the area around the lips is touched, infants instinctively turn their head towards the stimulus and open their mouth, which helps them to find and latch onto the breast or bottle for feeding. This reflex is vital for newborns as it assists them in seeking nourishment, making it an essential part of their survival instincts.

The other reflexes mentioned, while also important, serve different functions. The grasp reflex occurs when an infant's palm is stimulated, causing them to grasp tightly. The startle reflex (or Moro reflex) is triggered by sudden movements or loud noises, causing the baby to throw their arms out and then pull them back in, a response believed to be a protective mechanism. Each of these reflexes plays a crucial role in an infant's development, but the rooting reflex is specifically aimed at feeding behaviors.