What are teratogens?
Substances that can cause developmental malformations in a fetus.
Define critical periods in development.
Specific times when the brain is highly sensitive to particular experiences.
What is imprinting?
Rapid, instinctive learning during a critical period, forming attachment to the first moving object seen.
Define puberty.
The transition from childhood to adulthood, triggered by hormonal changes.
What are gross motor skills?
Movements involving large muscle groups, like walking and running.
What are fine motor skills?
Precise movements of hands and fingers, like grasping and drawing.
What is the rooting reflex?
An infant's automatic turning of the head toward a touch on the cheek, initiating sucking.
What are primary sex characteristics?
Reproductive organs that develop during puberty (e.g., testes, ovaries).
What are secondary sex characteristics?
Physical features that distinguish males and females but are not directly involved in reproduction (e.g., facial hair, breast development).
What is spermarche?
The beginning of sperm production in males during puberty.
What is menarche?
The beginning of menstruation in females during puberty.
What is presbyopia?
Age-related farsightedness.
Explain the concept of the visual cliff experiment.
It's a test of depth perception in infants using a raised platform with a clear glass surface.
What does the visual cliff experiment demonstrate?
That infants have an innate understanding of depth perception, typically by 6-8 months.
Explain the significance of infant reflexes.
Their presence and strength indicate healthy neurological development in infants.
What triggers puberty?
Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, leading to sex hormone production.
Describe the adolescent growth spurt.
A rapid increase in height and weight during adolescence, starting earlier in females than males.
What happens to reproductive ability in adulthood?
It peaks in early adulthood and then declines, with menopause in females and gradual fertility decline in males.
How do maternal illnesses affect fetal development?
Some illnesses can cross the placenta and harm the fetus.
How do genetic mutations affect fetal development?
Inherited or spontaneous changes can lead to abnormalities.
How can hormonal imbalances affect fetal development?
Mother's hormones can affect fetal development. Excess androgens can masculinize female fetuses, and insufficient thyroid hormone can impair brain development.
How do environmental factors affect fetal development?
Poor nutrition, lack of prenatal care, and toxins can impact fetal growth.
What are some age-related physical changes in adulthood?
Decreased mobility, flexibility, reaction time, and visual/auditory acuity.
What is the effect of exposure to teratogens during critical periods?
It can cause the most significant damage to fetal development.
What is the effect of mastering motor skills?
It allows exploration, play, and independence.
What can the absence or persistence of infant reflexes beyond the expected age indicate?
It may signal neurological issues.
What is the effect of HPG axis activation?
It leads to sex hormone production and the onset of puberty.
What is the effect of menopause in females?
Cessation of menstruation and a decline in reproductive ability.
What is the effect of decreased testosterone in males?
Gradual decline in fertility and sperm quality.
What is the effect of muscle loss and joint changes in adulthood?
Decreased mobility and flexibility.
What is the effect of age on reaction time?
Reaction time slows, especially for complex tasks.
What is the effect of age on vision and hearing?
Visual and auditory acuity decline.
