Neonatal and Child Development Flashcards

Flashcards about Neonatal and Child Development for exam review.

Neonatal Period

The period from birth to 1 month, characterized by major transitions in organ system function and growth.

Infancy

The period from 1 month to 2 years, marked by significant growth and developmental milestones.

Transition of Body Systems

Respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, and thermoregulation systems function independently.

Drive respiratory system to begin respiration

Brainstem (medulla, pons)

Fetal Shunts

Temporary structures used to bypass blood to liver + lungs for more efficient circulation

Meconium

First stool of a neonate made of amniotic fluid + dead cells.

Vernix Caseosa

White, cheesy, greasy coating → mixture of sebum and dead skin cells

Apgar Score

A quick test performed on a newborn baby at 1-5 mins after birth

Five Criteria of Apgar Score

Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex, irritability), Activity (muscle tone), Respiration (breathing effort)

Surface Area to Volume Ratio (SA:V)

Children have a larger SA:V compared to adults → faster heat loss/gain

Brown adipose tissue (BAT)

Main heat producer in neonates and young infants

Febrile Seizures

A seizure that happens in young children when they have a rapid increase in body temperature

Gross Motor Skills

big movements (sitting, crawling, walking)

Fine Motor Skills

small and precise movements (grasping, drawing, picking up)

Gross Motor Skills Definition

Movements made with large muscles (legs, arms, torso)

Fine Motor Skills Definition

Movements made with wrists, hands, fingers, ankles, feet, and toes

Reflexes

automatic at birth and fade as voluntary control takes over (sucking, grasping)

Myelination

nerve insulation, speeds up signal transmission → essential for fast reactions and movement

Amygdala Function

Function: processing emotions, fear, stress

Prefrontal Cortex Function

Function: reasoning, planning, control

Aging

A natural process where body systems slowly decline in structure and function

Telomerase

Enzyme that can partially restore telomeres

Cellular Senescence

Natural defense mechanism in which a cell enters a state where it is still alive but no longer able to divide

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death → cells self-destruct when they are no longer needed or become damaged (infected too)

Oxidative Stress

Occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals (harmful molecules) and antioxidants (protective molecules) in the body