Lecture #3

Question 1

The Endocrine system

Answer 1

• controlled by the pituitary glad (the master glad)
• -> responsible for the secretion of human growth hormone
• -> works to keep the body in balance
• -> involved in growth, maturation, functioning and ageing.

Question 2

Thyroid glad

Answer 2

• responsible for physical growth and the development of the nervous system

Question 3

Testosterone

Answer 3

• the male hormone

- responsible for growth and sexual maturation

Question 4

Oestrogen and Progesterone

Answer 4

• oestrogen– development of female sexual characteristics

Progesterone- equips females for pregnancy

Question 5

The Nervous System

Answer 5

• Consists of the brain, central and peripheral nervous systems

Question 6

Myelination

Answer 6

• process of depositing a fatty sheath around neural axons that insulated them and speeds the transmission of neural impulses

Question 7

Growth Patterns ***

Answer 7

Cephalocaudal: Growth occurs head to tail

Proximodistal: Growth occurs centre outwards

Orthogenetic: Growth starts globally

Question 8

The Infant

Answer 8

• Rapid growth
• –> Bone harden, are added, become more closely interconnected
• –> Muscle growth

Brain Development
- development of neural connections

Synaptogenesis: the formations of connection between neurons

Synaptic Pruning: The removal of unnecessary connections between neurons

• During early development- brain has great plasticity or responsiveness to experience

Question 9

Infant Reflexes and Behavioural Patterns

Answer 9

Reflex: an unlearned & involuntary response to a
stimulus

Survival Reflex: adaptive e.g., breathing, eyeblink, sucking

Primitive Reflex:
less adaptive & typically
disappear in early infancy e.g., Babinski reflex,
grasping reflex
• persistence of primitive reflexes can suggest
neurological problems

A sign of development is the ability to establish daily patterns (sleep- wake cycle)

Question 10

Motor and Locomotor Milestones

Answer 10

average milestones (norms)
– lifts head up while laying (2 months)
– sits without support (5 months)
– walks (12 months)
• contributes to cognitive, social & emotional
development

Question 11

Dynamic Systems Theory ***

Answer 11

use sensory feedback to modify motor behaviour in adaptive ways
• infants must explore many simple movements so
that a complex movement can emerge
• interconnection between nature & nurture
• complex relationship between motor skills,
perception & cognition

Question 12

Infant Health

Answer 12

Infant Mortality:

• 3.3 per 1000 lives lost
• congenital malformations –> defects present at birth due to genetic factors or prenatal events

Improvements:

• Vaccinations
• Kangaroo care
• Breast feeding

Question 13

The Child

Answer 13

• 2 to puberty
• cephalocaudal & proximodistal growth
  • brain lateralization: the specialization of the

- 2 hemispheres of the cerebral cortex
• left - right side of body;
analytic reasoning & language
• right - left side of body; spatial
reasoning, visual-motor
information, emotional content

Question 14

Physical Capabilities

Answer 14

- signs of adaptation to changing
environment
– refinement of motor skills
– integration of body movements
– responsive to practice

Question 15

Health of Child

Answer 15

Leading causes of death:
- cancer and injuries

Overweight and Obesity

Question 16

The Adolescent

Answer 16

Characterised by rapid physical changes (the
growth spurt)
– boys: peak height 13.4 yrs & weight 13.9 yrs
– girls: peak height 12 yrs & weight 12.5 yrs

Question 17

The Adolescent –> Puberty

Answer 17

biological changes that result in sexual maturity
(i.e., capable of conceiving)
– hormonal changes long before first signs of
puberty
– menarche: first menstrual cycle; approx. 12.5yrs
– semenarche: first ejaculation; approx. 13 yrs

Question 18

Secular Trend

Answer 18

• a trend in industrialised societies toward earlier maturation & greater body size
• interaction between nature & nurture
• advances in nutrition, medical care
• family environment ~ stress; adaptive?

Question 19

Psychological implications of puberty

Answer 19

• concerns about appearance, mood change, body
image problems, risk taking behavior
• if off-time can be particularly disruptive
• more so during adolescence than into adulthood
• influenced by ability to access & make use of
support

Question 20

Health of Adolescent **

Answer 20

• leading causes of death
–> injury, violence, suicide

• the brain
–> increased synaptogenesis just before puberty followed
by a period of heightened pruning of synapses
–> steady progression of myelination of axons

• implicated in risk-taking; poor judgement & decision
making regarding alcohol, drug & cigarette use,
sexual activities & driving

• overweight & obesity

• sleep pattern changes
–>insufficient sleep

Question 21

The Adult

Answer 21

Appearance & Functioning
• minor changes in physical appearance during 20s
& 30s
• signs of ageing noticeable by 40s
• into 60s & beyond, typically lose weight by losing muscle & bone density
• from 20’s gradual decline in the efficiency of most bodily systems
• decline of reserve capacity
• hand grip & walking speed

Question 22

Psychological Implication

Answer 22

societal context, ageism
• main concern is the ability to function at a desirable
level
• majority of people >65 say they are in excellent,
very good or good health
• changing brain
• middle age – greater integration of left & right
hemispheres
• some loss of neurons & diminished functioning
• importance of exercise

Question 23

Adult- changing reproductive system

Answer 23

Sex hormones

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Question 24

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (check slide for full list of symptoms)

Answer 24

The symptoms are associated with clinically significant distress or interference with
work, school, usual social activities or relationships with others

Question 25

Menopause

Answer 25

– approx 50 yrs; usually 45–54 yrs
– typically little effect on anxiety, stress, anger or job
satisfaction
– HRT
– lifestyle choices (e.g., exercise, adequate sleep)
appear to be the best options

Question 26

Andropause

Answer 26

characterised by decreasing levels of testosterone

• low libido, erection problems, lack of energy

Question 27

Health and Ageing- Adult

Answer 27

 Disease
–> Osteoporosis – loss of minerals resulting in loss
of bone tissue.
–> Osteoarthritis – deterioration of cartilage
between the bones
–> few differences between healthy older & healthy
younger adults

Disuse
–> “use it or lose it”
• lack of physical & mental exercise can contribute to the limitations
• greater responsibilities (caring for others), social isolation

Abuse
- – drugs, smoking, alcohol & poor diet negatively affects
physical capabilities, independent of age.