3.2 Physical Development Across the Lifespan

Teratogens

Harmful substances that can hurt a developing baby.

Maternal Illnesses

Diseases a mother has that can affect her pregnancy or baby.

Lifespan Development

How people grow and change from birth to old age.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Birth problems caused by a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Genetic Mutations

Changes in DNA that can affect how a person develops.

Critical Periods (fetal)

Specific times during pregnancy when certain body parts must develop.

Zygote - Embryo - Fetus

The three stages of baby development before birth.

Rooting/Sucking

Newborn reflexes that help them find and drink milk.

Visual Cliff

A test showing babies can perceive depth.

Sensitive and Critical Periods (infancy)

Times when babies learn certain skills best (sensitive) or must learn them (critical).

Developmental Milestone

A common skill babies learn at a certain age.

Fine Motor Coordination

Small movements, like using fingers.

Gross Motor Coordination

Big movements, like crawling or walking.

Moro (Startle) Reflex

Baby throws arms out when startled.

Stepping Reflex

Newborns make walking motions when held upright.

Grasping Reflex

Babies automatically grab things placed in their hand.

Imprinting

When some animals quickly form strong attachments early in life.

Habituation

Getting used to something so you react less to it.

Maturation

Natural growth that happens with time.

Growth Spurt

A fast increase in height and weight.

Adolescence

The stage between childhood and adulthood.

Puberty

When the body becomes sexually mature.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Body parts needed for reproduction.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Visible changes during puberty (deeper voice, breasts).

Menarche

A girl’s first menstrual period.

Spermarche

A boy’s first ejaculation.

Menopause

When a woman’s menstrual cycles permanently end.