Chapter 8: Development Flashcards
What is a zygote?
A fertilized ovum (egg cell) that travels to the uterus and attaches to the uterine wall.
Name the three stages of prenatal development.
Germinal stage, embryonic stage, and fetal stage.
What is the timeline for the 3 stages of prenatal development?
Germinal = first 2 weeks (from conception until implantation)
Embryonic = 3 (implantation)-8 week
Fetal = 9 weeks to birth
What occurs during the germinal stage?
The zygote divides and travels to the uterus, where it implants in the uterine wall after about 6-8 days.
What occurs during the embryonic stage?
Major body structures and organs develop, and sex differentiation (7th wk) begins.
Difference b/w - Cephalocaudal Development & Proximodistal Development?
Cephalocaudal Development: Head grows first, followed by the rest of the body.
Proximodistal Development: Internal organs develop before limbs.
What occurs during the fetal stage?
Further growth of the body and organ systems continues—especially the heart and lungs in the final three months—to allow the fetus to thrive outside the womb
True or false: During the fetal stage, dramatic growth occurs, with the fetus gaining 2 kg and doubling in length in the final three months.
True
Purpose of amniotic fluid?
This fluid provides protection, temperature regulation, and supports lung development.
What is the purpose of the placenta?
It allows the exchange of nutrients and waste between mother and fetus without mixing their bloodstreams.
What is a teratogen?
A harmful (or toxic) agent, such as a disease, a drug, a chemical, or radiation, that has the potential to cause birth defects or abnormalities to the developing fetus
True or false: The effects of teratogens depend on the initiation, frequency, and intensity of use. Teratogens are most harmful during critical periods in prenatal development.
True
Consumption and abuse of alcohol or other illicit drugs such as opioids during pregnancy can lead to prolonged developmental conditions. What are they?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD): is caused by prenatal (embryonic stage) alcohol exposure, leading to:
- Slowed physical growth
- Facial abnormalities
- Heart defects
- Cognitive impairments
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS): can be the result of withdrawal caused by exposure to certain substance exposure before birth. NAS includes tremors, poor feeding and sucking, vomiting, and hyperactive reflexes.
True or false: Infants double their birth weight by about 5 months and triple it by their first birthday.
True
How does an infant’s growth rate change after the second year?
After the second year, growth slows to about 5-8 cm per year until the adolescent growth spurt
What is the rooting reflex?
A newborn’s tendency to turn its head toward stimuli on the cheek or mouth.
What is the grasp reflex?
Grasping objects placed in their hands
What is the Sucking Reflex?
Sucking objects that touch the lips.
What is the Withdrawal Reflex?
Pulling away from painful stimuli.
What is the Startle (Moro) Reflex?
Drawing up legs and arching the back in response to sudden noises or movement.
What is the Palmar Reflex?
Grasping objects that press against the palms.
What is the Babinski Reflex?
Fanning toes when the soles of the feet are stimulated.
Why do pediatricians use these reflexes?
To assess babies’ neural functioning.
Can environmental factors impact a child’s development?
Children have a genetic potential for growth, but environmental factors like nutrition and clean air can influence whether they reach that potential.