2 Prenatal Development, Infancy, and Toddlerhood Free Online FlashCards

What happens during the germinal period?

The germinal period spans conception to about two weeks: the fertilized egg divides, becomes a blastocyst, implants in the uterus, and cells begin to specialize.

What does the Apgar score assess?

The Apgar score is a brief assessment at one and five minutes after birth that describes a newborn’s immediate condition and need for support.

What is the cephalocaudal pattern of development?

Cephalocaudal development proceeds from head toward lower body; for example, head control develops before lower-body control.

What defines Piaget’s sensorimotor stage?

Piaget’s sensorimotor stage covers the first two years, when infants learn through perception and action, exploring objects and coordinating actions toward goals.

How does language comprehension often relate to spoken expression?

Understanding usually develops alongside—and often ahead of—spoken expression. A toddler may understand a request before being able to say a complete sentence.

What role does a caregiver play as a secure base?

A secure base is a caregiver who provides security while a child explores. The child may seek comfort when distressed and be soothed when the caregiver returns.

What is Erikson’s psychosocial task in infancy?

Erikson proposed trust versus mistrust as an early psychosocial task. Reliable care can support an infant’s growing sense that others are dependable.

What characterizes the embryonic period?

During about weeks 3–8, major organs and body structures begin forming. Rapid development can make some harmful exposures especially serious during this period.

What happens during the fetal period?

From about week 9 until birth, the body grows and organs and systems mature.

What is a teratogen?

A teratogen is an environmental agent, such as some drugs, infections, or toxic substances, that can disrupt prenatal development. Effects depend partly on exposure timing, amount, and duration.

What is the proximodistal pattern of development?

Proximodistal development proceeds from the body’s center outward, so control nearer the center develops before precise control of the hands and fingers.

How do gross and fine motor skills differ?

Gross motor skills use large muscle groups; fine motor skills involve smaller, more precise movements, such as picking up small objects.