exam 1 pt 3

Question 1

Where in the female body does fertilization occur?

Answer 1

Fallopian tube

Question 2

What are the three stages of prenatal development?

Answer 2

1. Period of the Zygote: (conception to 2 weeks) travel to the uterus and implantation
2. Period of the Embryo: (2 to 8 weeks) development of organs
3. Period of the Fetus: growth, maturation, and integration of body systems (8 weeks to birth)

Question 3

During which stage of prenatal development is the baby at the greatest risk from exposure to harmful substances or environmental toxins? Why?

Answer 3

2nd stage (embryo)
Major organs of the body are forming, the embryo is particularly vulnerable to teratogens

Question 4

What is the earliest age at which a fetus can survive outside the womb?

Answer 4

24 weeks

Question 5

How is the danger of prenatal exposure to a substance determined?

Answer 5

• type of substance
• timing of exposure
• dosage
• characteristics of mom + baby

Question 6

What is a teratogen? Identify 5 teratogens.

Answer 6

• any substance that can cause damage during the prenatal period
• alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, metals, chemicals

Question 7

What can women do to increase the likelihood of having a healthy pregnancy and baby?

Answer 7

Healthy diet, exercise, avoid teratogens, routine check ups, exercise

Question 8

What are the major milestones in fine and gross motor development in infancy?

Answer 8

Newborn: pre reaching, hands fisted, swat at objects
3-4 months: hands open, pick up object with whole hand
4-5 months: transfer object hand to hand
9 months: pincer grasp, poke + pointing

Question 9

Should infants co-sleep? Why or why not?

Answer 9

• same room but not same bed
• infants can be strangled, trapped or suffocated
• does support breastfeeding

Question 10

How does the new born brain change over the first few months of life? Over the first 3 years of life?

Answer 10

• Brain grows to about 75% of adult weight in first years
• reflexes are limited
• neural connections form rapidly

Question 11

Synaptogenesis

Answer 11

forming of synaptic connections + pathways

Question 12

Myelination

Answer 12

nerve cells become coated in myelin (speeds up transmissions)

Question 13

Pruning

Answer 13

connections that aren’t used are gotten rid of
ex: language pathways

Question 14

Lateralization vs specialization

Answer 14

L: which side of the brain preforms the task
S: what region of the brain performs the task

Question 15

Define and give an example of critical or sensitive periods in brain development

Answer 15

• specific times during which the brain is particularly receptive to certain types of learning
• Genie, 13 year old who couldn’t speak or walk or have social cues due to extreme neglect

Question 16

Define plasticity and give an example

Answer 16

• tendency of new parts of the brain to take up functions of injured parts
• young kids have better recovery from brain injury

Question 17

Define experience - expectant brain functions

Answer 17

• Basic experiences & stimulation necessary for
  brain development to support function
• Most humans have these experiences during sensitive periods