sucking reflex
Quick Summary
Sucking is the process of drawing fluids into the mouth by creating a vacuum in the oral cavity. This is a fundamental method of food ingestion for mammalian infants, allowing them to consume milk from their mother's mammary glands.12
How Sucking Works
- Vacuum Creation: The tongue retracts to the back of the mouth, creating a partial vacuum.1
- Sealing: The rear of the tongue seals against the roof of the mouth, directing liquids to the front of the oral cavity.1
- Swallowing: Once the mouth is full, the tongue relaxes, allowing the fluids to flow to the throat for swallowing.1
This reflex is present from birth and is crucial for nourishment until infants can consume solid foods. The duration of suckling varies among species, from a couple of weeks in rodents to two years in walruses.32
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