Chapter 1 Aging Flashcards
Aging
The process of becoming older, referring specifically to humans
Gerontology
The scientific study of old age and its particular problems
Geriatrics
The medical specialty focused on care and treatment of older persons
Embryo
Fertilization to 8 weeks of development
Fetus
Week 8 of development to birth
Clinical age
Based on the last menstrual period
Developmental age
Begins with fertilization
18-36
How many hours after fertilization does it take for zygote to divide into 2 cells?
Germinal period Embryo Fetus Neonate Infant Child Adolescent Adult
What are the 8 life stages?
Death
Permanent cessation of life functions
Genetics
The study of heredity
Chromosomes
Genes with DNA, consisting of 46 pairs
Karyotype
Display of chromosomes
Autosomal chromosomes
All chromosomes except sex chromosomes; 22 pairs
Gametes
Sex cells (sperm and egg) produced via meiosis
Homologous
Each gamete receives only one chromosome from each pair
Genes
Functional unit of heredity, consisting of portion of DNA
Alleles
Similar genes on homologous chromosomes
Homozygous
2 alleles are identical for a particular trait
Heterozygous
2 alleles are different
Dominant
When a genes is expressed
Recessive
When a gene is not expressed
Genotype
Alleles that a person has for a given trait
Phenotype
Expressed gene (person’s appearance)
Sex-linked traits
Traits affected by genes on sex chromosomes, most being X-linked
Culture, genetics, lifestyle
Diet, stress, bilingualism
Religion, wealth, poverty, etc.
Factors affecting aging brain
Apoptosis
When a telomere gets damaged or shrinks too much
