Chapter 2 Flashcards
Epigenesis
Emergence of new structures and functions in the course of development.
Germinal Period
2 weeks. Fertilization and implantation. Start of placenta.
Embryonic Period
6 weeks. Groundwork laid for all body structures and internal organs.
Fetal Period
30 weeks. “Growth and finishing phase”
Androgens
Male hormones.
Inner Cell Mass
Crucial structure in early embryonic development, group of cells within the blastocyst which forms a few days after fertilization.
Identical Twins
Twins that result from splitting in half of the zygote. Exact same set of genes.
Fraternal Twins
Twins that result when two eggs happen to release in Fallopian tubes at the same time. Half genes in common.
Neural Tube
Embryonic structure that eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord.
Fetal Movement
5 to 6 weeks after conception. Emergence of hiccuping/burping, swallowing. Movement of limbs, fingers. Respiratory readiness for breathing independently after birth.
Habituation
Simple form of learning that involves a decrease in response to repeated or continued stimulation.
Dishabituation
Introduction of a new stimulus rekindles interest following habituation to a repeated stimulus.
Teratogen
Potentially harmful agent to prenatal development.
Dose-Related Relation
Potential problems depend on how long the mother is exposed to the teratogen and for how long.
Colic
Excessive, inconsolable crying by a young infant for no apparent reason. 1 in 10 US Infants, typically ends around 3 months. No long term effects.
APGAR Score
Health assessment immediately following birth. Skin tone, pulse, facial responses, arm and leg activity, breathing.
Low Birth Weight
Less than 5.5 lbs.
Very Low Birth Weight
Less than 3.3 lbs.
Premature (Preterm)
Born at 37 weeks after conception; small for gestational age.
Structural Racism
Behaviors and beliefs that harm specific racial and ethnic groups. Impacts fetal and newborn health. Can result in residual segregation, uneven access to healthcare, higher incarceration rates.
Developmental Resilience
Successful development despite multiple and seemingly overwhelming developmental hazards.
Phylogenetic Continuity
All living organisms share a common ancestry, meaning there is a continuity of traits across different species due to shared evolutionary history.
Cephalocaudal Development
Development occurs from head to toe.
Fetal Programming
The idea that environmental factors during pregnancy—such as nutrition, stress, toxins, and hormonal influences—can permanently shape the development, metabolism, and health of the fetus.
Vestibular System
Sensory system in the inner ear that helps maintain balance, spatial orientation, and coordination of movement.
Folic Acid Deficiency
Most likely contributes to neural tube defects in a fetus.
Doula
Provides pregnant people with emotional and physical support throughout their labor and delivery.
Myoclonic Twitching
Sudden, brief, involuntary muscle jerks.
