Lecture #3 Flashcards
The Endocrine system
- 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.
Thyroid glad
- responsible for physical growth and the development of the nervous system
Testosterone
- the male hormone
- responsible for growth and sexual maturation
Oestrogen and Progesterone
- oestrogen– development of female sexual characteristics
Progesterone- equips females for pregnancy
The Nervous System
- Consists of the brain, central and peripheral nervous systems
Myelination
- process of depositing a fatty sheath around neural axons that insulated them and speeds the transmission of neural impulses
Growth Patterns ***
Cephalocaudal: Growth occurs head to tail
Proximodistal: Growth occurs centre outwards
Orthogenetic: Growth starts globally
The Infant
- 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
Infant Reflexes and Behavioural Patterns
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)
Motor and Locomotor Milestones
average milestones (norms) – lifts head up while laying (2 months) – sits without support (5 months) – walks (12 months) • contributes to cognitive, social & emotional development
Dynamic Systems Theory ***
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
Infant Health
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
The Child
- 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
Physical Capabilities
- signs of adaptation to changing environment – refinement of motor skills – integration of body movements – responsive to practice
Health of Child
Leading causes of death:
- cancer and injuries
Overweight and Obesity
The Adolescent
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
The Adolescent –> Puberty
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
Secular Trend
- a trend in industrialised societies toward earlier maturation & greater body size
- interaction between nature & nurture
- advances in nutrition, medical care
- family environment ~ stress; adaptive?
Psychological implications of puberty
• 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
Health of Adolescent **
• 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
The Adult
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
Psychological Implication
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
Adult- changing reproductive system
Sex hormones
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (check slide for full list of symptoms)
The symptoms are associated with clinically significant distress or interference with
work, school, usual social activities or relationships with others
Menopause
– 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
Andropause
characterised by decreasing levels of testosterone
• low libido, erection problems, lack of energy
Health and Ageing- Adult
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.
