Chapter 5 - Body, Brain, and Health

Question 1

human growth (2)

Answer 1

• complex process that occurs over many years

- influenced by genes and the environment

Question 2

central nervous system vs. peripheral nervous system

Answer 2

• brain and spinal chord

- neural tissue outside of central nervous system

Question 3

neuron

Answer 3

basic unit of nervous system

Question 4

dendrites

Answer 4

branches/receive signals from other neurons

Question 5

axon

Answer 5

long segment of neuron, signal is transmitted

Question 6

synapse

Answer 6

gap between neurons/neurotransmitter

Question 7

myelin (3)

Answer 7

fatty sheath on axon, insulates and speeds

Question 8

proximodistal principle of growth

Answer 8

• growth from center outward to extremeties

- chest/internal organs before arms, then fingers

Question 9

orthogenic principle of growth

Answer 9

undifferentiated cells become specialized

Question 10

lifespan developmental model of health (5)

Answer 10

• 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

Question 11

What is the growth of an infant characterized by? (5)

Answer 11

• 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

Question 12

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?

Answer 12

-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

Question 13

What is the infant’s behavioral state? What are they associated with?

Answer 13

• REM sleep

- associated with brain maturation & plasticity

Question 14

Deaths of infants in their first year (3). What are 2 specific examples? What is the good thing about it today?

Answer 14

-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

Question 15

development of a child is characterized by (7)

Answer 15

• 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

Question 16

what are some factors that impact health of a child? (5)

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

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?

Answer 17

• 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)

Question 18

what are some factors that affect the health and wellness of the adolescent? (5) What is the leading cause of death in teens?

Answer 18

• 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.

Question 19

When do most changes in adult health occur? What are these changes? (3)

What are some changes that occur after 60 years old? (8)

Answer 19

• 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

Question 20

What brain changes occur in the adult? (7)

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

aspects of development in older adults (6) What do 70 yo at least have? (3)

Answer 21

• 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