Chapter 4 Flashcards
The principle that growth follows a pattern that begins with the head and upper body parts and then proceeds down to the rest of the body
Cephalocaudal principle
The principle that development proceeds from the center of the body outward
Proximodistal principal
The principle that simple skills typically develop separately and independently but or later integrated into more complex skills
Principle of hierarchical integration
The principle that different body systems grow at different rates
Principle of the independence of systems
The basic nerve cell of the nervous system
Neurons
The gap at the connection between neurons, through which neurons chemically communicate with one another.
Synapse
The elimination of neurons as the zone of nonuse or lack of stimulation
Synaptic pruning
Substance that helps insulate neurons in speed the transmission of nerve impulses
Myelin
The upper layer of the brain
Cerebral cortex
The degree to which a developing structure or behavior is modifiable due to experience
Plasticity
A specific, but limited, time, usually early in an organisms life, during which the organism is particularly susceptible to environmental influences relating to some particular facet of development
Sensitive period
Repetitive, cyclical patterns of behavior
Rhythms
The degree of awareness and infant displays to both internal and external stimulation
State
The period of sleep that is found in older children and adults and is associated with dreaming
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
The unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
