AP psychology 3.2 (physical development across the lifespan)

Zygote

the fertilized egg; it enters a 2-week period of rapid cell division and develops into an embryo

Embryo

the developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through the second month of pregnancy

Fetus

the developing human organism from 9 weeks after conception to birth

Teratogens

agents, such as chemicals and viruses, that can reach the embryo or fetus and cause harm.

Teratogens Impact on Physical Milestones

Exposure to teratogens can result in physical malformations, such as limb defects, heart problems, or facial abnormalities

Placenta

Temporary sack that protects the developing baby and connects them to the mother.\

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

physical and cognitive abnormalities in children caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy

Teratogens Impact on Psychological Milestones

Teratogens can also impact brain development, leading to cognitive deficits, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues

Maternal Illnesses

 infections & chronic conditions, can negatively impact prenatal development

Maternal Illnesses Impact of Physical Milestones

Maternal illnesses can lead to birth defects, low birth weight, & premature birth

Genetic Mutations

are changes in the DNA sequence that can be inherited or occur spontaneously.

Genetic Mutations Impact of Physical Milestones

 Genetic mutations can result in various congenital anomalies & syndromes

Genetic Mutations Impact of Psychological Milestones

Genetic mutations can impact cognitive development and behaviors

Hormonal Factors

During pregnancy, imbalances in maternal hormones or disruptions in fetal hormone production, can influence prenatal development

Hormonal Factors Impact of Physical  Milestones

Abnormal levels of hormones like thyroid hormones or insulin can affect fetal growth and organ development.

Hormonal Factors Impact of Psychological  Milestones

Hormonal imbalances can also impact brain development, leading to cognitive impairments and behavioral issues

Environmental Factors

Encompass a wide range of influences, including pollution, radiation, & socio-economic conditions that can affect prenatal development

Environmental Factors Impact of Physical  Milestones

 Exposure to envir. pollutants, such as heavy metals or pesticides, can lead to birth defects, low birth weight, & impaired physical development

Environmental Factors Impact of Psychological  Milestones

Environmental factors can also influence neurodevelopment & mental health

Maturation

the orderly sequence of biological growth

Gross Motor Skills

These involve large muscle activities such as crawling, standing, and walking

Fine Motor Skills

These involve small muscle movements, particularly those of the hands & fingers

Reflexes

involuntary, automatic responses to specific stimuli present at birth. These primitive reflexes are crucial for an infant’s survival & development. They provide the foundation for voluntary movements & play a key role in neurological development

Rooting reflex

when something touches the cheek, babies turn toward that touch

Sucking reflex

(for nursing), swallowing, breathing

Moro reflex

Sometimes called the startle reflex. If the baby's head shifts position abruptly or falls backward--or if they are startled by something loud or abrupt--they will extend their arms, legs, and neck and then rapidly bring their arms together

Babinski Reflex

When the sole of an infant’s foot is stroked, their big toe bends back toward the top of the foot, and the other toes fan out

Palmar Grasp Reflex

When an object is placed in an infant’s palm, they will grasp it tightly

Stepping Reflex

When an infant’s feet touch a flat surface, they will attempt to walk by placing one foot in front of the other

Visual Cliff

a model of a cliff with a “drop-off” area that is covered by glass

Pruning

the process of removing neurons that are no longer used (happens around 10-puberty)

Habituation

a decrease in responding with repeated stimulation

Critical Period

 a window of time when the brain must have certain environmental stimuli to develop normally

Vision

 The visual system in the brain requires exposure to light during the first six months of life to stimulate the connections that allow an infant to see

Language

Children who are not exposed to language in the first 10 years of life will lose the ability to learn and understand complex language

Sensitive Period

a newer and less rigid understanding of critical periods

Imprinting

 a form of rapid learning occurring in a critical period of an animal’s life, typically immediately after birth or hatching

Adolescence

the transitional period between childhood and adulthood that involves significant physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes

Adolescent Growth

spurt is a rapid increase in height and weight that occurs during puberty. This growth spurt typically starts earlier in girls

Adolescence Physical Changes

Rapid changes in body size and shape can affect adolescents’ self-esteem & body image

Adolescent Cognitive Development

There are significant developments in brain structure and function, particularly areas related to decision-making, impulse control, & reasoning

Puberty

The period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction

Puberty & Emotional Changes

 Hormonal fluctuations during puberty can lead to mood swings, increased emotional sensitivity, & heightened experiences of emotions such as anger, joy, & sadness.

Puberty & Social Behavior:

Adolescents may become more aware of their sexuality & experience increased interest in romantic relationships & sexual activity

Primary Sex Characteristics

Are the structures directly involved in reproduction, such as the ovaries, testes, & external genitalia

Primary Sex Characteristics & Reproductive Health

Understanding changes in primary sex characteristics is crucial for sexual education and reproductive health

Primary Sex Characteristics & Identity Formation

 The development of primary sex characteristics can influence an adolescent’s sense of gender identity and sexual orientation, contributing to the exploration of their personal identity.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

 are the physical traits that differentiate the sexes but are NOT directly involved in reproduction

Secondary Sex Characteristics & Body Image

The development of secondary sex characteristics can impact body image and self-esteem

Secondary Sex Characteristics & Social Dynamics

Secondary sex characteristics can affect social interactions and relationships. Adolescents may become more aware of their attractiveness & experience increased attention from peers

Menarche

Is the first menstrual period in females, marking the onset of reproductive capability

Spermarche

Is the first ejaculation in males, indicating the onset of reproductive capability

Adulthood

spans most of our lifespan and is characterized by a general leveling off and then a varying decline in reproductive ability, mobility, flexibility, reaction time, and visual/auditory sensory acuity

Emerging adulthood

 is from 18 to mid-20s. People are still largely dependent on their parents because of educational opportunities (college)

Early adulthood

is from 20s-30s. Holds the peak of our physical development, where metabolism, strength, and sensory abilities are at their best

Middle Adulthood

is from mid-30s-65. Physical fitness abilities are specific to the person, but an overall decline in sensory processes can occur

Late Adulthood

brings more physical changes. Life expectancy has risen in many countries by about 2 decades, on average 80 years-old

death deferral phenomenon

dying after a momentous occasion or milestone, can be seen in statistics, such as more people dying after Christmas or after their birthday

Menopause

is the transitional period in a woman’s life when her ovaries start producing less of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone

Menopause & Mental Health

Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression

Andropause

 is the transitional period in a man’s life when there is a decline in testosterone and growth hormone levels