5.1 Myers Psychology

Zygote

The fertilized egg that is the earliest stage of human development.

Placenta

An organ that transfers nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the developing fetus.

Teratogens

Harmful agents (e.g., alcohol, drugs, viruses) that can cause developmental damage to a fetus.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A condition in children caused by heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy, leading to brain damage and developmental issues.

Infantile Amnesia

The inability to remember events from early childhood, typically before age 3-4.

Pruning

The process of eliminating unused neural connections while active ones are strengthened.

Cerebellum

The brain structure responsible for motor coordination and movement skills.

Motor Development

The progression of physical skills, such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, and walking, influenced by maturation and genetics.

Frontal Lobes

Brain regions responsible for planning, decision-making, and controlling attention and behavior, which develop rapidly during early childhood.