Psych Across Lifespan – Module 4: Physical Growth and Development

A collection of 80 flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts from the module on physical growth and development.

Cephalocaudal principle

Growth occurs from head to tail; the head grows disproportionately before the body.

Proximodistal principle

Growth occurs from the center of the body outward to the limbs.

Orthogenetic principle

Growth starts globally and undifferentiated, then moves to more differentiated and specialized functions.

Germinal period

The stage of development from zygote to blastocyst, roughly the first week after fertilization.

Blastocyst

The stage of the embryo after the morula, characterized by an inner cell mass.

Amnion

The membrane that envelops the embryo, filling with amniotic fluid.

Chorion

The outer layer of the blastocyst that becomes the lining of the placenta.

Embryonic period

Weeks 3- end of week 8. Rapid organ development and many sensitive periods, emergence of nervous system

Neural tube

A structure that develops into the spine, and fore, mid and hind brain. formed during weeks 3-5 of prenatal development.

Neural tube defects

Congenital abnormalities resulting from failed closure of the neural tube, most vulnerable between weeks 4-5.

Organogenesis

The process in which the organs form during weeks 3-8 of pregnancy.

Ectoderm

The outermost layer of the developing embryo, which becomes skin and the nervous system.

Mesoderm

The middle layer of the developing embryo, which develops into musculoskeletal and circulatory systems.

Endoderm

The innermost layer of the developing embryo, forming the gastrointestinal tract and lungs.

Fetal period

The stage of development from week 9 until birth, characterized by growth and maturation of organs.

Neonatal period

The first few weeks after birth, where rapid physical growth occurs.

Apgar test

A quick assessment of a newborn's health, scoring factors like heart rate and respiratory effort.

Primitive reflexes

Inborn automatic responses that infants have, indicating normal neurological development.

Grasping reflex

An automatic tendency of infants to grasp objects that touch their palms.

Moro reflex

A startle response in infants; throwing arms outward then back in when startled.

Babinski reflex

The reflex where an infant fans and curls toes when the bottom of the foot is stroked.

Teratogens

Substances that can cause malformations in a developing fetus.

Sensitive period

A timeframe when certain events or exposures have a more significant impact on development.

Endocrine system

Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, regulating various bodily functions.

Pituitary gland

The master gland that controls other endocrine glands and regulates growth.

Puberty

The developmental stage where individuals attain sexual maturity and experience growth spurts.

Adrenarche

The period when adrenal hormones increase, preparing the body for sexual maturation.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation in females, marking the start of reproductive capability.

Semenarche

The first ejaculation in males, indicating the onset of reproductive capability.

Menopause

The time in life when menstruation ceases, usually occurring between ages 45-55.

Andropause

A gradual decline in testosterone levels in older males, affecting libido and energy.

Motor development

The progression of physical abilities and skills in infants and children.

Developmental norms

The average age when children typically achieve certain developmental milestones.

Neural plate

A thickened region of ectoderm that develops into the nervous system.

Primitive reflexes significance

Presence and disappearance indicate normal neurological development.

Environmental factors

External influences like nutrition and stress that affect fetal and infant health.

Maternal age effects

Older maternal age can lead to smaller babies and increased risks.

Paternal health impact

Father's age, smoking, and health can also influence fetal development.

Thalidomide case

A historical example highlighting the risks of prenatal exposure to untested drugs.

Neonatal reflexes

Inborn reflexes that facilitate survival in newborns.

Social smiling

A milestone achieved around 6 weeks indicating social engagement.

Vision in newborns

Newborns can see high contrast and close objects but have blurry vision.

Hormonal influences on growth

Hormones regulate growth and maturation throughout an individual's lifespan.

Hormonal balance

The equilibrium maintained among various hormones affecting growth and development.

Cognitive development

Growth in thinking and understanding experienced through various stages of life.

Psychosocial development

The development of personality, emotions, and social relationships.

Predisposition to conditions

Genetic makeup influencing susceptibility to certain health conditions.

Environmental enrichment

Stimulating surroundings that positively affect brain development.

Nutritional factors

Dietary components that are vital for fetal and infant development.

Reflexive actions

Involuntary movements that provide insight into an infant's neurological health.

Birth weight average

About 2.5kg (5.5 pounds) is the average weight for babies in Australia.

Birth defects causes

Can stem from genetic factors, environmental influences, and prenatal exposure to substances.

Child's milestones

Key achievements in physical growth and development during infancy and early childhood.

Cephalocaudal principle (Embryonic and Fetal periods)

Growth occurs from head to tail; the head grows disproportionately before the body.

Proximodistal principle (Embryonic and Fetal periods)

Growth occurs from the center of the body outward to the limbs.

Orthogenetic principle (Embryonic and Fetal periods)

Growth starts globally and undifferentiated, then moves to more differentiated and specialized functions.

Germinal period (Germinal period)

The stage of development from zygote to blastocyst, roughly the first week after fertilization.

Blastocyst (Germinal period)

The stage of the embryo after the morula, characterized by an inner cell mass.

Amnion (Germinal and Embryonic periods)

The membrane that envelops the embryo, filling with amniotic fluid.

Chorion (Germinal and Embryonic periods)

The outer layer of the blastocyst that becomes the lining of the placenta.

Embryonic period (Embryonic period)

Weeks 3 - end of week 8. Rapid organ development and many sensitive periods, emergence of nervous system

Neural tube (Embryonic period)

A structure that develops into the central nervous system, formed during weeks 3-5 of prenatal development.

Neural tube defects (Embryonic period)

Congenital abnormalities resulting from failed closure of the neural tube, most vulnerable between weeks 4-5.

Organogenesis (Embryonic period)

The process in which the organs form during weeks 3-8 of pregnancy.

Ectoderm (Embryonic period)

The outermost layer of the developing embryo, which becomes skin and the nervous system.

Mesoderm (Embryonic period)

The middle layer of the developing embryo, which develops into musculoskeletal and circulatory systems.

Endoderm (Embryonic period)

The innermost layer of the developing embryo, forming the gastrointestinal tract and lungs.

Fetal period (Fetal period)

The stage of development from week 9 until birth, characterized by growth and maturation of organs.

Neonatal period

The first few weeks after birth, where rapid physical growth occurs.

Apgar test

A quick assessment of a newborn's health, scoring factors like heart rate and respiratory effort.

Primitive reflexes

Inborn automatic responses that infants have, indicating normal neurological development.

Grasping reflex

An automatic tendency of infants to grasp objects that touch their palms.

Moro reflex

A startle response in infants; throwing arms outward then back in when startled.

Babinski reflex

The reflex where an infant fans and curls toes when the bottom of the foot is stroked.

Teratogens (Germinal, Embryonic, and Fetal periods)

Substances that can cause malformations in a developing fetus.

Sensitive period (Germinal, Embryonic, and Fetal periods)

A timeframe when certain events or exposures have a more significant impact on development.

Endocrine system

Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, regulating various bodily functions.

Pituitary gland

The master gland that controls other endocrine glands and regulates growth.

Puberty

The developmental stage where individuals attain sexual maturity and experience growth spurs.

Adrenarche

The period when adrenal hormones increase, preparing the body for sexual maturation.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation in females, marking the start of reproductive capability.

Semenarche

The first ejaculation in males, indicating the onset of reproductive capability.

Menopause

The time in life when menstruation ceases, usually occurring between ages 45-55.

Andropause

A gradual decline in testosterone levels in older males, affecting libido and energy.

Motor development

The progression of physical abilities and skills in infants and children.

Developmental norms

The average age when children typically achieve certain developmental milestones.

Neural plate (Embryonic period)

A thickened region of ectoderm that develops into the nervous system.

Primitive reflexes significance

Presence and disappearance indicate normal neurological development.

Environmental factors (Germinal, Embryonic, and Fetal periods)

External influences like nutrition and stress that affect fetal and infant health.

Maternal age effects (Germinal, Embryonic, and Fetal periods)

Older maternal age can lead to smaller babies and increased risks.

Paternal health impact (Germinal, Embryonic, and Fetal periods)

Father's age, smoking, and health can also influence fetal development.

Thalidomide case (Embryonic period)

A historical example highlighting the risks of prenatal exposure to untested drugs.

Neonatal reflexes

Inborn reflexes that facilitate survival in newborns.

Social smiling

A milestone achieved around 6 weeks indicating social engagement.

Vision in newborns

Newborns can see high contrast and close objects but have blurry vision.

Hormonal influences on growth

Hormones regulate growth and maturation throughout an individual's lifespan.

Hormonal balance

The equilibrium maintained among various hormones affecting growth and development.

Cognitive development

Growth in thinking and understanding experienced through various stages of life.

Psychosocial development

The development of personality, emotions, and social relationships.

Predisposition to conditions

Genetic makeup influencing susceptibility to certain health conditions.