Chapter 5: Physical Growth

Question 1

Distance Curve

Answer 1

A growth chart showing cumulative changes in size over time, such as height and weight, to track overall physical growth.

Question 2

Velocity Curve

Answer 2

A graph displaying the rate of growth over time, highlighting growth spurts and periods of slower growth.

Question 3

Cephalocaudal Trend

Answer 3

A pattern of growth where development proceeds from the head downward to the rest of the body.

Question 4

Proximodistal Trend

Answer 4

A pattern of growth where development begins at the center of the body and moves outward to the extremities.

Question 5

Skeletal Age

Answer 5

A measure of physical maturity based on the development and hardening of bones, typically assessed through X-rays of the growth plates.

Question 6

Epiphyses

Answer 6

Growth centers at the ends of long bones where cartilage cells produce new bone, enabling lengthwise growth during childhood and adolescence.

Question 7

What is the primary role of the pituitary gland in growth?

Answer 7

The pituitary gland releases hormones that regulate growth, including growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and sex hormones.

Question 8

How does the hypothalamus contribute to growth control?

Answer 8

The hypothalamus monitors hormone levels in the bloodstream and signals the pituitary gland to increase or decrease hormone production through a feedback loop.

Question 9

What does growth hormone (GH) do?

Answer 9

GH promotes growth in all tissues (except the brain and genitals) and stimulates the liver and bones to release IGF-1, which triggers cell duplication and growth.

Question 10

What is the function of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

Answer 10

TSH prompts the thyroid gland to release thyroxine, which is essential for brain development and enhances the effects of GH on body size.

Question 11

What role do estrogens play in growth and development?

Answer 11

In females, estrogens promote the development of breasts and reproductive organs, regulate the menstrual cycle, and contribute to fat distribution and bone density.

Question 12

What are androgens, and how do they affect growth?

Answer 12

Androgens, including testosterone in males, promote muscle growth, body and facial hair, male sex characteristics, and enhance the effects of GH on body size.

Question 13

Secular Trends in Physical Growth

Answer 13

Over time, children and adolescents in industrialized nations have grown larger and matured earlier than in past generations, likely due to improved nutrition and health.

Question 14

Neurons

Answer 14

Neurons are nerve cells that transmit information in the brain and body. They form connections (synapses) and communicate through electrical and chemical signals.

Question 15

Synapses

Answer 15

Synapses are the gaps between neurons where information is transmitted through chemical signals.

Question 16

Neurotransmitters

Answer 16

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by neurons at synapses to communicate with other neurons.

Question 17

Programmed Cell Death

Answer 17

A natural process where surplus neurons die, making room for more efficient neural networks during brain development.

Question 18

Synaptic Pruning

Answer 18

The process of eliminating unused synapses, which strengthens important connections and makes the brain more efficient.

Question 19

Glial Cells

Answer 19

Glial cells support neurons by providing insulation, nutrients, and removing waste. They are crucial for myelination.

Question 20

Myelination

Answer 20

Myelination is the process of coating neural fibers with a fatty sheath (myelin), which speeds up the transmission of neural messages.

Question 21

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 21

The largest brain structure, responsible for higher functions like thinking, sensory processing, and voluntary movements. It is highly sensitive to environmental influences.

Question 22

Prefrontal Cortex

Answer 22

A part of the frontal lobe responsible for advanced cognitive functions, such as planning, problem-solving, and regulating emotions. It develops slowly and matures during adolescence.

Question 23

What is lateralization?

Answer 23

Lateralization refers to the specialization of functions in one hemisphere of the brain, where certain cognitive tasks or motor skills are primarily managed by either the left or right hemisphere.

Question 24

What is brain plasticity?

Answer 24

Brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, allowing it to adapt to learning, experiences, and recovery from injury.

Question 25

What is the dominant cerebral hemisphere?

Answer 25

The dominant cerebral hemisphere is the side of the brain that controls language, motor skills, and other complex tasks. For most people, the left hemisphere is dominant, especially for right-handed individuals.

Question 26

What is the cerebellum?

Answer 26

The cerebellum is a brain structure at the back of the head responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and motor control, and it helps with the smooth execution of tasks like walking and writing.

Question 27

What is the reticular formation?

Answer 27

The reticular formation is a network of neurons in the brainstem that plays a key role in regulating wakefulness, sleep, and attention, helping to maintain alertness and consciousness.

Question 28

What is the hippocampus?

Answer 28

The hippocampus is a brain structure involved in memory formation and spatial navigation, playing a central role in converting short-term memory into long-term memory.

Question 29

What is the amygdala?

Answer 29

The amygdala is a brain structure involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure, and is essential for emotional responses, memory, and decision-making.

Question 30

What is the corpus callosum?

Answer 30

The corpus callosum is a bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres, allowing for communication and coordination between them, supporting integrated functioning in tasks requiring both sides of the brain.

Question 31

What is experience-expectant brain growth?

Answer 31

Experience-expectant brain growth refers to brain development that occurs in response to universal experiences common to all humans, such as exposure to light, sound, and social interactions. These experiences are expected for typical brain development during sensitive periods.

Question 32

What is experience-dependent brain growth?

Answer 32

Experience-dependent brain growth refers to brain development that occurs in response to unique, individual experiences. These experiences are shaped by the person’s environment, learning, and personal interactions.

Question 33

What is Marasmus?

Answer 33

Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition caused by a deficiency in both protein and calories. It results in extreme weight loss, muscle wasting, and growth failure, typically affecting infants and young children.

Question 34

What is Kwashiorkor?

Answer 34

Kwashiorkor is a type of malnutrition caused by severe protein deficiency despite adequate calorie intake. It leads to symptoms like swelling (edema), irritability, delayed growth, and changes in skin and hair.

Question 35

What is growth faltering?

Answer 35

Growth faltering refers to infants whose weight, height, and head circumference are significantly below age-related norms and who show withdrawal and apathy. It is often linked to disturbed parent-infant relationships.

Question 36

What is psychosocial dwarfism and what causes it?

Answer 36

Psychosocial dwarfism is a growth disorder caused by extreme emotional deprivation, typically between ages 2-15. It is marked by reduced growth hormone secretion, very short stature, and immature skeletal age, and is usually reversible if the child is removed from the emotionally inadequate environment.

Question 37

What is menarche and when does it typically occur?

Answer 37

Menarche is the first menstruation, marking the beginning of sexual maturity in girls. It typically occurs around age 12-13 in North American girls, but the age range can vary from 10½ to 15½ years.

Question 38

What is anorexia nervosa?

Answer 38

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by self-starvation, extreme weight loss, and distorted body image.

Question 39

What is bulimia nervosa?

Answer 39

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder involving binge eating followed by purging (vomiting or using laxatives) to prevent weight gain.