Chapter 5: Physical Development in Infancy Flashcards
Proximodistal pattern
The sequence in which growth starts at the center of the body and moves toward the extremities.
Cephalocaudal pattern
The sequence in which the earliest growth always occurs at the top–the head–with physical growth and feature differentiation gradually working from top to bottom.
Lateralization
Specialization of function in one hemisphere of the cerebral cortex or the other
Sudden infant death syndrome (sids)
A condition that occurs when an infant stops breathing, usually during the night, and suddenly dies without an apparent cause.
Marasmus
A wasting way of body tissues in the infants first year, caused by severe protein-calorie deficiency
Kwashiorkor
A condition caused by a severe deficiency in protein in which the child’s abdomen and feet become swollen with water, usually appears between 1-3 years of age
Dynamic systems theory
The perspective on motor-development that seeks to explain how motor skills are assembled for perceiving and acting
Reflexes
Built-in reactions to stimuli that govern the newborns movements, which are automatic and beyond the newborns control
Rooting reflex
Occurs when the infants cheek is stroked or the side of the mouth is touched. In response, the infant turns its head toward the side that was touched in an apparent effort to find something to suck
Sucking reflex
Reaction to automatically sick an object placed in its mouth. The sucking reflex enables the infant to get nourishment before he or she has associated a nipple with with food and also serves as a self soothing or self regulating mechanism
Moro reflex
A neonatal startle response that occurs in reaction to a sudden, intense noise or movement. When startled, the newborn arches its back, throws its head back, and flings out its arms and legs. Then the newborn rapidly closes its arms and legs to the center of the body.
Babinski reflex
A reflex in which infants fan out their toes and twist their foot inward when the sole of their foot is stroked
Grasping reflex
A neonatal reflex that occurs when something touches the infants palms. The infant responds by grasping tightly.
Gross motor skills
Motor skills that involve large muscle activities, such as walking
Fine motor skills
Motor skills that involve finely tuned movements, such as finger dexterity.
