What describes a newborn's ability to control body functions?

The ability of a newborn to control body functions is best described as autonomic control. This term refers to the automatic processes that happen within the body, requiring no conscious effort or voluntary action. Newborns primarily rely on their autonomic nervous system to regulate essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and temperature regulation. These functions are intrinsic and do not involve higher levels of cognitive functioning or motor skills, which explains why newborns cannot voluntarily control these processes.

In contrast, voluntary control implies a level of conscious awareness and the ability to actively manage bodily actions, which develops later as the child grows and matures. Central control might suggest the involvement of higher brain functions which are not yet fully developed in newborns. Motor control involves the ability to perform movements or physical actions, and while newborns may exhibit reflexive movements, they do not have the refined motor skills or conscious control associated with older infants or children. Thus, autonomic is the most accurate descriptor of a newborn’s body function control at this stage of development.