Introduction to Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to human growth and development, aimed at helping students prepare for exams.

Growth

Objective, quantitative increase in size, e.g., weight, height, organ size.

Development

Subjective, qualitative change characterized by predictable milestones and psychomotor skills.

Developmental Milestones

Specific skills and abilities that signal developmental progress at various stages.

Critical Periods

Specific times in development when certain skills or abilities are most easily learned.

Maturation

The process that results in a new level of maturity, occurring through developmental stages.

Cephalocaudal Pattern

Growth and development that occurs from the head down to the body.

Proximal to Distal

Growth pattern where development occurs from the center of the body to the periphery.

Lifelong Development

The concept that development continues throughout the entire lifespan, from conception to death.

Motor Skills

Physical abilities involving movement; critical in early childhood development.

Cognitive Development

The evolution of learning, thinking, and reasoning abilities across the lifespan.