Chapter 5 - Body, Brain, and Health Flashcards
human growth (2)
- complex process that occurs over many years
- influenced by genes and the environment
central nervous system vs. peripheral nervous system
- brain and spinal chord
- neural tissue outside of central nervous system
neuron
basic unit of nervous system
dendrites
branches/receive signals from other neurons
axon
long segment of neuron, signal is transmitted
synapse
gap between neurons/neurotransmitter
myelin (3)
fatty sheath on axon, insulates and speeds
proximodistal principle of growth
- growth from center outward to extremeties
- chest/internal organs before arms, then fingers
orthogenic principle of growth
undifferentiated cells become specialized
lifespan developmental model of health (5)
- health is a life-long process influenced by personal choice
- health is determined by genetic and environmental influences
- health is multidimensional and involves several factors
- changes in health involve gains and losses
- health occurs in a sociohistorical context and can be enhanced or constrained by social and historical factors
What is the growth of an infant characterized by? (5)
- rapid growth
- early size related to prenatal experience
- age 2= half of adult size, then goes through growth spurts
- soft bones ossify and become interconnected
- newborns are viewed to be helpless outside the womb
What are reflexes? What are the 4 reflexes of the infant? What are primitive reflexes for? What happens to them? What are they useful for?
-reflexes unlearned, involuntary response to stimuli
- Survival reflexes: breathing, eye-blink, sucking
- grasping reflex: help clinging onto caregiver
- stepping reflex: forerunner of later voluntary behavior
Primitive reflexes
- some unclear, others adapting value.
- usually disappear in early infancy
- useful for diagnosis neurological problems
What is the infant’s behavioral state? What are they associated with?
- REM sleep
- associated with brain maturation & plasticity
Deaths of infants in their first year (3). What are 2 specific examples? What is the good thing about it today?
-if less than 1lb
-complications at birth
-congenital malformations (genetic/prenatal event defect present at birth)
Ex. heart defects, spina bifida
-vaccinations have improved infant health
development of a child is characterized by (7)
- steady growth
- brain lateralization: L and R hemisphere function
- physical behavior: master ability to move in a changing environment (adaptation)
- refinement of motor skills
- improvement of eye/hand coordination (practice helps)
- faster reaction time
- positive neural processing = positive memory and other cognitive factors
what are some factors that impact health of a child? (5)
- parent’s education/socioeconomic level
- socio-historical context
- accidents (major negative impact)
- nutrition (fast foods, school food programs, obesity)
- physical activity - 60 minutes a day
aspects of development in the adolescent - what happens to their brain? (3) What do they go through? What is used to measure progression of adolescents? What psychological issue do can they develop during adolescence?
- volume of gray mater increases, peaks, then decreases
- white matter increases
- part of brain related to self-control not matured (more risk-taking behavior)
- growth spurt/biological changes due to hormones, puberty, sexual maturation (adrenal gland)
- tanner scale used to measure progression through puberty
- development of body image (psychological implications)
what are some factors that affect the health and wellness of the adolescent? (5) What is the leading cause of death in teens?
- muscular strength and physical competence increases
- sedentary lifestyle undermines physical fitness of teens
- nutrient-poor beverages leads to weight gain/higher blood pressure which increases risk for later health issues
- rate of diabetes increased in recent years in teens
- obesity a product of nature and nurture
- unintentional injuries leading cause of death in teens.
When do most changes in adult health occur? What are these changes? (3)
What are some changes that occur after 60 years old? (8)
- most changes after 40 yo
- wrinkles
- gray/thinning hair
- weight gain/obesity
- weight loss after 60
- loss of muscle & bone, heart & lung capacity
- decrease in ability to control temperature, immune system, body’s organs ability to respond to demand
What brain changes occur in the adult? (7)
- brain development is never truly complete! research shows brain capable of neurogenesis. experience/culture may change brain
- brain weight and volume decrease
- neurons shrivel & die
- reduced blood flow to the brain
- integration of L/R hemisphere in middle age
- mental/physical exercise can improve brain functioning
- sex hormone levels fluctuate
aspects of development in older adults (6) What do 70 yo at least have? (3)
- motor action slows down, less coordination
- slowing of brain/nervous system affect motor/mental functioning (can be improved with video games
- disease/disuse/abuse/drugs
- 70 yo have at least one chronic impairment (mostly arthritis/hypertension/heart disease
