development from head to tail
- ex: head develops faster than the lower part of the body
cephalocaudal
development from near to far
- ex: head, chest, and trunk grow first; then arms and legs; then hands and feet
proximodistal
In infancy, girls are slightly ______ than boys with a ______ fat:muscle ratio.
shorter, higher
What is the best estimate of physical maturity and a measure of bone development?
skeletal age
At birth, the ______ is nearer to its adult size than any other physical structure.
brain
100-200 billion neurons are produced in the embryo’s ______ ______.
neural tube
returns neurons to an uncommitted state; happens when neurons are not stimulated
synaptic pruning
Appropriate stimulation of the brain is vital during ______ periods in which the formation of synapses is at its peak.
critical
- electrodes on scalp measure brain waves for stability and organization
- ERP to determine regions active during stimuli
EEG
radioactive dye traced to active brain regions
PET scan
magnetic field detects activity through blood flow
fMRI
flexible optical fibers attached to baby’s scalp using head cap
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
What is the last part of your body to finish growing?
the cerebral cortex
Which part of the brain is important for complex thought (e.g., executive processes, inhibiting impulses, integrating info, memory, reasoning, planning, problem solving)?
prefrontal cortex
Which half of the brain is important for analytical processing, language, logic, reasoning, verbal abilities, and positive emotion?
left hemisphere
Which half of the brain is important for integrative processing, creativity, emotion, intuition, spatial abilities, and negative emotion?
right hemisphere
ability of brain to adapt and reorganize after damage
plasticity
- early and naturally
- ordinary experiences expected for normal development
- ex: interacting with people, walking, talking, learning a language, etc.
experience-expectant brain growth
- throughout life
- specific, individual learning experiences
- ex: riding a bike, playing computer game, reading, writing, playing instrument
experience-dependent brain growth
Gradual shift to ___-___ sleeping schedule and _____ hours of sleep.
night, day, fewer
What are the benefits of co-sleeping?
builds a close parent-child bond, sleep is more constant, may help safeguard babies at risk for SIDS
strong _____ influence on height and weight
nature
Nurture influences early growth via adequate ________.
nutrition
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
- ensures nutritional completeness
- provides correct fat-protein balance
- helps ensure healthy physical growth
- protects against disease and obesity
- protects against faulty jaw and tooth development
- ensures digestibility
- smooths transition to solid foods
