Chapter 9 Flashcards
Normative Development
Average pattern of development
Individual Differences
Variations within individuals of the same age
Body Mass Index
Dividing weight (kilograms) by height (meters) squared
How much do kids grow in height and weight per year?
2-3 inches
5-7 lbs
What part of the body grows the fastest?
Lower half
What age do kids lose their teeth?
Front middle teeth: 6-7
Molars: 10-12
Myopia
Nearsightedness
Dendrite
Branched extension of a neuron that picks up signals from other neurons
Axon
An extension of the cell that carries signals away from the cell body toward other neurons
Synapse
The connection between one neuron’s axon and another neuron’s dendrite
Myelin
A white fatty substance that encases cell axons and provides insulation and improves transmission of signals
Competitive Elimination
Process that strengthens synapses that are used regularly and prunes unused synapses to eliminate clutter
-accelerates speed that kids can process information
Synaptic Pruning
Process of eliminating unused and unnecessary synapses
Lateralization
Localization of function in one of the hemispheres of the brain
Corpus Callosum
Connection between the two hemispheres of the brain
Gray Matter
Nerve cell bodies (neurons, axons, and dendrites)
Frontal Lobe
Involved in recognizing future consequences, overriding unacceptable social responses, and remembering emotional experiences
Prefrontal Cortex
Involved in decision making and planning
front of brain, behind forehead
Temporal Lobe
Involved in speech, memory, and hearing
side of brain
Parietal Lobe
Associated with movement, orientation, and recognition, and perception of stimuli
White Matter
Myelinated nerve fibers in the brain
Cerebral Cortex
Outer layer of brain responsible for sensation, voluntary muscle movement, thought, reasoning, and memory
ADHD
Condition when kids can’t get organized, can’t focus on a task, and can’t think before acting
- Diagnosed btwn 7-9
- 2x more common in boys
Cerebellum
Associated with balance and control of body movements
Gross Motor Skills
Large movements of arms, legs, and feet, or the whole body
Fine Motor Skills
Small movements of hands and fingers