3.2 Physical changes from life to death

Prenatal development

The process of growth from conception to birth; 3 distinct stages 1) Germinal stage 2) Embryonic Stage 3) Fetal Stage

Teratogens

Factors that can affect development; substances that can cause birth defects or development problems ex: Alcohol, Tobacco, drugs and environmental factors 

Fetal Alcohol Syndrom

A mother consumes excess alcohol while pregnant. The baby may have physical, cognitive and behavioral problems

Maternal illness

any disease or infection that a mother experiences during pregnancy that can affect the fetus

Genetic Mutations

random or inherited traits from the parents; can be both physical and cognitive; dwarfism or turner’s or down syndrome

Environmental Factors that can affect Pregnancy

Pesticides, radiation, pollution

Infancy reflexes

involuntary reflexes that aid with survival, used to test nervous system; palmar grasp, plantar grasp, Babinski Reflex

Palmar Grasp

When a finger is placed in a baby’s hand, the baby will close their hand around the finger

Plantar Grasp

When a finger is placed underneath a baby’s foot, they will curl their toes

Babinski Reflex

When the sole is stroked the baby’s big toe will bend up and the toes fan out

Gross Motor Skills

Larger movements, crawling, walking, allowing for navigation

Fine motor skills

small movements, holding a spoon, feeding, drawing, playing

Imprint

forming an attachment to the first moving object a newborn or animal sees; commonly the mother

Sensitive period

Period of time where the brain can more quickly learn skills'; first years of a child’s life is essential to language development, they can learn later but it will be more difficult

Adolescence

The developmental, transitional period between childhood and adulthood, extending from the onset of puberty to the attainment of independence 10-13 to 19-21ish

Puberty

when an individual reaches sexual maturity and can now reproduce; brings desire for intimacy and hormonal changes

Primary Sex Characteristics

Changes directly related to the reproductive system and the ability to reproduce

Menarche

Beginning of puberty for women, start of the menstrual cycle

Spermarche

Beginning of Puberty for men, first time they can ejaculate

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Changes indirectly related to the reproductive system; Girls less facial hair, Men broader shoulders

Growth Spurt

Puberty brings rapid growth in height and weight

Adulthood

The developmental stage following adolescence, starting around age 20 and characterized by full physical maturation, cognitive stability, and major social transitions (career, relationships, family)

Menopause

Middle/late adulthood women, end their menstrual cycle and thus their ability to reproduce

Lowering testosterone levels

Middle/Late adulthood is marked by lowering testosterone levels (no clear event like women)