3.2a Prenatal Development, Infancy and Childhood Flashcards
Teratogens
Agents, such as chemicals and viruses, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm
States of prenatal development: Zygote, Embryo, Fetus
Zygote: egg fertilized by sperm, first cells form
Embryo: Zygote attaches to uterine wall, the beginning of 37 weeks
Fetus: 9 weeks after conception embryo looks human becomes fetus
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Physical and cognitive function deficits in children caused by their mother’s heavy drinking during pregnancy. In severe cases, symptoms include a small out-of-proportion head and distinct facial features
Rooting Flex
when something touches a baby’s cheek they will turn their head towards that touch, open their mouth, and vigorously look for a nipple. Finding one, they will automatically close on it and begin to suck.
Grasping Flex
a flex to keep baby’s close to their caregivers
Habituation
decreasing responsiveness with repeated stimulation as infants gain familiarity with repeated exposure to a stimulus, their interest wanes and they look away sooner.
Maturation
biologically growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior, relatively uninfluenced by experience.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Such as severe deprivation or abuse, can slow down development, but genetic growth patterns come “factory installed” - they are inborn
Synaptic Pruning
during puberty tons of synapses are being used, and the ones that aren’t being used are rid of
Critical Period
An optimal period early in the life of an organism when exposed to certain stimuli or experiences produces normal development.
Gross Motor Skills
involving large muscles and whole body movements
Fine Motor Skills
involving small muscles of the body
