Physical

Zygote

The fertilized egg; the first stage of prenatal development.

Embryo

The developing human from about 2 weeks to 8 weeks after fertilization.

Fetus

The developing human from 9 weeks after fertilization until birth.

Teratogens

Harmful substances (e.g., drugs, alcohol) that can cause birth defects.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

A condition in babies caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy, leading to physical and cognitive impairments.

Habituation

Decreasing response to a repeated stimulus, showing early learning in infants.

Rooting Reflex

An infant’s tendency to turn their head toward a touch on the cheek and search for a nipple.

Sucking Reflex

An infant’s instinct to suck when something touches their mouth.

Grasping Reflex

An infant’s automatic grip when something touches their palm.

Moro Reflex

The startle reflex where infants fling out their arms and legs when startled.

Babinski Reflex

When the sole of an infant’s foot is stroked, their toes fan out.

Maturation

The biological growth processes that occur in a predictable sequence, relatively unaffected by experience.

Gross Motor Skills

Large movements, like crawling or walking, that use large muscles.

Fine Motor Skills

Small movements, like picking up objects, that use smaller muscles.

Puberty

The period of sexual maturation during adolescence.

Primary Sexual Characteristics

Body structures directly involved in reproduction (e.g., ovaries, testes).

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Non-reproductive traits, like body hair and voice changes.

Menarche

A female’s first menstrual period.

Spermarche & Ejaculation

A male’s first ejaculation, marking the onset of puberty.

Menopause

The end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, marking the end of reproductive ability.

Dementia

A decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Neurogenesis

The formation of new neurons in the brain.

Alzheimer’s Disease

A progressive disorder causing memory loss and cognitive decline.

Neurocognitive Disorders (NCD)

Disorders characterized by cognitive impairments (e.g., memory, reasoning).

Five Stages of Death/Grief

The emotional stages people go through when facing death or loss: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.