Unit 3.2: Physical Development Across the Lifespan

Teratogens

Harmful substances that can cause birth defects during prenatal development.

Maternal Illness

Health conditions in the mother during pregnancy that can affect the developing fetus.

Genetic Mutation

A change in DNA that can affect physical or psychological development.

Hormonal Factors

Chemicals in the body that influence growth, development, and behavior.

Environmental Factors

Outside influences such as nutrition, pollution, stress, or parenting that affect development.

Milestones

Major developmental achievements that most people reach at certain ages.

Prenatal Development

The process of development that occurs from conception to birth.

Fine Motor Coordination

The ability to control small muscle movements, such as writing or buttoning clothes.

Gross Motor Coordination

The ability to control large muscle movements, such as walking or jumping.

Maturation

Biological growth processes that happen naturally over time, largely controlled by genetics.

Reflexes

Automatic, inborn responses to certain stimuli.

Rooting Reflex

A newborn’s tendency to turn its head toward a touch on the cheek to find food.

Visual Cliff

A test used to study depth perception in infants.

Critical Periods

Specific time frames when certain abilities must develop or they may not develop properly.

Sensitive Periods

Optimal times when learning a skill is easier, though still possible later.

Imprinting

A process where a young animal forms a strong attachment during an early critical period.

Growth Spurt

A rapid increase in height and weight during development.

Puberty

The stage of development when sexual maturity is reached.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Reproductive organs that are directly involved in reproduction.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physical traits that develop during puberty but are not directly involved in reproduction.

Menarche

The first period in females.

Spermarche

The first ejaculation in males.

Menopause

The natural end of periods in females.

Mobility

The ability to move your body easily and effectively.

Flexibility

The ability of muscles and joints to stretch and move through a full range of motion.

Reaction Time

The amount of time it takes to respond to a stimulus.

Visual and Auditory Sensory Acuity

The sharpness of your vision and hearing.