Prenatal Development

Lifespan Development

The study of how individuals grow and change from conception through death.

Evolutionary Psychology

A theoretical approach that examines how evolutionary principles influence human behavior and mental processes.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully.

Gametes

Reproductive cells; male gametes are sperm, and female gametes are ova.

Spermatogenesis

The process by which sperm cells are produced in the male reproductive system.

Ova

Female gametes that are stored in the ovaries and are present at birth.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that results from the union of sperm and egg, containing genetic information from both parents.

Chromosomes

Structures composed of DNA that carry genetic information.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

The molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development and function of living things.

Genes

Segments of DNA that contain the codes for specific characteristics.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene that can exist at a specific locus.

Meiosis

The process of cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual, consisting of the alleles inherited from parents.

Phenotype

The observable physical and biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by the genotype.

Autosomes

Any chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes (X or Y).

Dominant Genes

Genes that are expressed in the phenotype even when only one copy is present.

Recessive Genes

Genes that are expressed in the phenotype only in the absence of a dominant gene.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Changes in the structure or number of chromosomes that can lead to developmental problems.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, leading to developmental delays and physical challenges.

Turner Syndrome

A chromosomal disorder in females characterized by the absence of one X chromosome (XO).

Klinefelter Syndrome

A genetic condition in males resulting from an extra X chromosome (XXY).

Prenatal Screening

The process of testing for certain diseases and conditions before birth.

Prenatal Diagnosis

The use of testing methods to identify problems or conditions in a fetus after abnormalities have been suspected.

Teratogens

Substances that can cause birth defects when a fetus is exposed to them during pregnancy.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors can influence gene expression.

Monozygotic Twins

Identical twins formed from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos.

Dizygotic Twins

Fraternal twins that result from two separately fertilized eggs.

Gestational Diabetes

A form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and can pose risks to both mother and child.

Apgar Score

A quick test performed on a newborn baby to assess their physical condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.

Premature Birth

Birth that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation, which can lead to various health challenges.

Neural Tube Defects

Birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord that occur if the neural tube does not close completely.

Hypoxia

A condition resulting from insufficient oxygen reaching the tissues, which can occur during birth.

Cesarean Section

A surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the mother's abdomen and uterus.

Home Births

Deliveries that take place in the comfort of the mother's home, often with the help of midwives.