Chapter 9- Lifespan Development Flashcards
What is developmental psychology?
The study of how people change physically, cognitively, and socially throughout the lifespan.
What are the first four major stages of lifespan?
Prenatal (conception to birth, Infancy/toddlerhood (birth to 2), Early childhood (2 to 6), Middle childhood (6 to 12)
What are the later five stages of lifespan?
Adolescence (12 to 18), Emerging adulthood (18 to 25), Young adulthood (25 to 40), Middle adulthood (40 to 65), Late adulthood (65 to death)
Genotype
The genetic makeup of an individual organism.
Phenotype
The observable and physical characteristics of an organism result from the interaction of genetics and environmental factors.
Zygote
The single cell formed at conception from the union of the egg cell and sperm cell.
Chromosome
A long, threadlike structure composed of twisted parallel strands of DNA. Found in cell nucleus.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
The double-stranded molecule that encodes genetic instructions. Chemical basis of heredity.
Gene
A unit of DNA on a chromosome that encodes instructions for making a particular protein molecule.
Epigenetics
The study of the cellular mechanisms that control gene expression and of ways that gene expression affects health and behavior.
How is gene expression triggered?
The activity of other genes, internal chemical changes, or external environmental.
Prenatal Stage
Stage of development before birth; divided into the germinal (zygotic), embryonic, and fetal periods.
Zygotic period (germinal period)
First two weeks after conception. Rapid cell division; implantation
Embryonic period
Weeks 3 through 8. Amniotic sac; umbilical cord; placenta; highest risk or teratogen damage.
Fetal period
Two months until birth.
Teratogens
Harmful agents or substances that can cause malformations or defects in an embryo or fetus. (Radiation exposure, toxic chemicals and metals, viruses and bacteria, non/prescription drugs, addictive drugs, maternal smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, alcohol, pregnant person’s psychological state and unhealthy behaviors)
What happens during prenatal brain development?
The brain begins as a fluid-filled neural tube lined with stem cells three weeks after conception. The top of the tube thickens into hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain. Stem cells divide and multiply, producing neurons and glial cells.
Stem cells
Cells that can divide indefinitely, renew themselves, and give rise to a variety of other types of cells.
Rooting
Newborn reflex: Turning head and opening mouth in direction of a touch on cheek
Sucking
Newborn reflex: Sucking rhythmically in response to oral stimulation
Babinski
Newborn reflex: Fanning and curling toes when foot is stroked
Stepping
Newborn reflex: Moving legs as if trying to walk
Grasping
Newborn reflexes: Baby grips your finger so tightly that they can be lifted upright
Newborn senses
Keenly attuned to people
