3.2: Physical Development Across the Lifespan

Prenatal Development

The process of growth and development within the womb, including the germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages.

Teratogens

Harmful agents that can cause malformations or functional issues in an embryo or fetus.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A disorder caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, leading to physical and cognitive abnormalities in the child.

Maternal Illness

Infections or diseases in a pregnant woman that can negatively affect prenatal development.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extram chromosome 21, leading to developmental delays and physical features.

Turner Syndrome

A chromosomal disorder in females where one X chromosome is missing or partially missing, often causing developmental issues.

Atypical Brain Development

Irregular growth patterns or structures in the brain that can lead to disorders like autism or intellectual disability.

Infancy

The stage of development from birth to approximately 2 years old, marked by rapid growth and sensorimotor development.

Infant Reflexes

Automatic, involuntary responses to stimuli observed in newborns.

Palmar Grasp

A reflex where a baby grasps an object placed in their palm.

Plantar Grasp

A reflex where the toes curl downward when the sole of the foot is touched.

Babinski Reflex

A reflex where a baby's toes fan outward when the sole of the foot is stroked.

Rooting Reflex

When a baby turns its head toward a touch on the cheek and opens its mouth, searching for a nipple.

Tummy Time

Supervised time a baby spends on their stomach to develop neck and shoulder muscles and motor skills.

Gross Motor Skills

Large movements involving major muscle groups, like crawling, walking, or jumping.

Fine Motor Skills

Small, precise movements such as grasping, drawing, or manipulating objects.

Visual Cliff Experiment

A study that showed depth perception in infants by using a glass-covered drop-off.

Imprint

A form of early attachment seen in some animals, where they follow the first moving object they see.

Critical Period

A specific time in development when certain skills or abilties are most easily learned or must be acquired.

Sensitive Period

A more flexible timeframe in development where certain experiences have a stronger influence on growth.

Adolescence

The transitional period from childhood to adulthood, marked by puberty and identity development.

Puberty

The biological process of sexual matruation that enables reproduction.

Primary Sex Characterstics

The reproductive organs and genitalia directly involved in reproduction.

Menarche

A girl's first menstrual period, signaling reproductive capability.

Spermarche

A boy's first ejaculation, indicating the start of sperm production.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Non-reproductive traits such as body hair, voice changes, and breast development.

Adolescence Growth Spurt

A rapid increase in height and weight typically occurring during puberty.

Adulthood

The stage of life after adolescence, involving maturity, independence, and aging.

Menopause

The time in a woman's life when menstural cycles end, marking the end of reproductive capability.

Late Adulthood

The final stage of life, often considered to begin around 65, involving retirement, cognitive changes, and reflection.