AP Psychology: Topic 3.2 - Physical Development Across the Lifespan

Teratogens

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

Fine motor coordination

using small muscle groups for controlled movements, particularly in object manipulation

Gross motor coordination

using large muscle groups for controlled, goal-directed movements

Maturation

the emergence of psychological and behavioral characteristics over time; a process occurring in stages which are governed by genes.

Reflexes

involuntary, automatic responses to sensory stimuli, such as the knee-jerk response

Rooting reflex

a baby's tendency, when touched on the cheek, to open the mouth and search for the nipple

Visual cliff

a laboratory test of depth perception for infants and young animals

Critical periods

times in the developmental sequence during which a person must experience certain kinds of social or sensory experiences for the normal development of a particular behavior

Sensitive periods

times in development when a person is particularly open to learning a certain skill

Growth spurt

a relatively sudden and rapid period of physical growth during puberty

Puberty

the period of maturation during which a person becomes capable of reproducing

Primary sex characteristics

the body structures (ovaries, testes, and external genitalia) that make sexual reproduction possible

Secondary sex characteristics

aspects of sexual maturity not directly related to reproduction, such as voice quality, facial hair, and breast size

Menarche

the first occurrence of menstruation

Spermarche

first occurrence of ejaculation

Menopause

the natural cessation of menstruation (and related biological changes) as a woman's ability to reproduce declines