Ch 5 Vocab Flashcards
Differentiation
The process by which behaviors & physical structures become more specialized
Failure to Thrive (TTF)
A disorder of impaired growth in infancy & early childhood characterized by failure to gain weight within normal limits
Marasmus
A wasted , potentially lethal body condition caused by inadequate nutrition & characterized by painful thinness
Canalization
The tendency of growth rates to return to genetically determined patterns after undergoing environmentally induce change
Kwashiorkor
A form of protein-energy malnutrition in which the body may break down its own reserves of protein , resulting in enlargement of stomach , swollen feet , & other symptoms
Nerves
Bundles of axons from many neurons
Neurons
Nerve cells ; cells found in the nervous system that transit messages
Dendrites
The rootlike parts of a neuron that receives impulses from other neurons
Axon
A long , thin part of a neuron that transmits impulses to other neurons through small branching structures called axon terminals
Neurotransmitter
A chemical substance that makes possible the transmission of neural impulses from one neuron to another
Myelin sheath
A fatty , white substance that encases & insulates neurons , permitting more rapid transmissions of neural impulses
Myelination
The process by which axons are coated w myelin
Multiple sclerosis
A disorder in which myelin is replaced by hard , fibrous tissues that impedes neural transmission
Medulla
An oblong area of the hindbrain involved in heartbeat & respiration
Cerebellum
The part of the hindbrain involved in muscle coordination & balance
Cerebrum
The large mass of the forebrain , which consists of two hemispheres
Ulnar grasp
A method of grasping objects in which the fingers close somewhat clumsily against the palm
Pincer grasp
The use of the opposing thumb to grasp objects between the thumb & other fingers
Locomotion
Movement from one place to another
Toddler
A child who walks with short , uncertain steps
“Toddlerhood” lasts 12 mo. To 30 mo.
Sensation
The stimulation of sensory organs, such as eyes , ears , & skin , and the transmission of sensory info of the brain
Perception
The process by which sensations are organized into a mental map of the world
Perception constancy
The tendency to perceive objects as the same even though the sensations produced by them may differ when , for example they differ in position or distance
Size constancy
The tendency to perceive objects as being the same size wen though the sizes of their images on the retina may differ as a result old distance
Shape constancy
The tendency to perceive objects as being the same shape even though the shapes of their images on the retina may differ when the objects are viewed from diff positions
Hibituation
A process in which one becomes used to a repeated stimulus & therefore pays less attention to it
