Physical Development Flashcards
Identify the life stages and their respective age groups.
Infancy – 0-2 years
Early Childhood – 3-8 years
Adolescence – 9-18 years
Early Adulthood – 19-45 years
Middle Adulthood – 46-65 years
Later Adulthood – 65+ years
Explain the concept of growth.
- Physical, measurable factors – eg. height, weight.
- Variable across different parts of the body.
- Does not occur at a consistent rate, can have sudden bursts – eg. in puberty.
Explain the concept of development.
- Orderly sequence of the acquisition of skills and abilities.
- Head to toe.
- Inside to outside.
What is a milestone?
A skill or ability that a child is supposed to reach by a certain age.
Based on average norms, and can be used to identify developmental delays.
Define gross motor skills and provide examples.
Ability to make large movements using large muscle groups, such as in the arms or legs.
Eg. sitting up, standing, cruising, walking, throwing a ball.
Define fine motor skills and provide examples.
Ability to make smaller movements using small muscle groups, such as in the fingers.
Eg. picking up small objects, doing up buttons, drawing.
Between what ages do girls and boys start puberty?
Girls – 11-13 years
Boys – 13-15 years
What is puberty?
A period of fast growth and biological changes which prepare the body for reproduction.
Name the hormones produced during puberty.
Girls – Oestrogen and Progesterone
Boys - Testosterone
Give definitions for primary and secondary sexual characteristics.
Primary - Present at birth and develop during puberty. Changes and development of reproductive organs.
Secondary - Develop during puberty. Outward signs of development from a child into a man or woman.
Give examples of primary and secondary sexual characteristic in males and females.
Primary:
Girls - lengthening of vagina, widening of uterus, beginning of menstruation/ovulation
Boys - increase in size of penis and testes, sperm production begins
Secondary:
Girls - hips widen, breasts develop, hair growth (pubic/armpit)
Boys - voice deepens, broader chest and shoulders, hair growth (facial/pubic/armpit)
At what age are people at their physical peak?
19-28 years
What impact do hormones have during pregnancy?
Affect breast shape and appearance (areola darkens).
Increased progesterone maintains the pregnancy.
Increased oestrogen can cause morning sickness.
What is perimenopause?
Begins around age 40 due to a decrease in oestrogen.
Ovaries stop producing an egg each month.
Symptoms include: fatigue, mood swings, hot flushes, irregular periods, breast tenderness.
Last on average 4 years (until menopause).
What is the menopause?
End of fertility, reduction in oestrogen and progesterone.
Describe the physical effects of the menopause.
Menstruation stops.
Increase in gonadotropins (hormones), which cause hot flushes and irritability.
Night sweats.
Weight gain.
Higher risk of osteoporosis (due to low bone mineral density).
Describe the psychological effects of the menopause.
Depression
Anxiety
Lowered self-esteem – due to role change/end of fertility.
Identify signs of ageing in middle adulthood.
Weight gain, increased inactivity
Loss of skin elasticity
Greying/thinning hair
Sensory decline (hearing, sight etc.)
What are the physical effects of ageing in later adulthood?
Loss of muscle – decline in strength and stamina.
Decline in mobility and dexterity (gross and fine muscle movements).
Increased likelihood of injuries caused by falls.
Higher susceptibility to disease and infection.
Reduction in senses (hearing, sight).
Joint problems (eg. arthritis).
Height loss (change in posture).
Higher risk of heart problems.
What are the intellectual effects of ageing in later adulthood?
Brain changes (loss of nerve cells in the brain).
Decline in cognitive ability (eg. memory, reaction times etc.).
Higher risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
Risk of mental health problems.
