Glossary
Babinski Reflex
A newborn reflex where the toes fan out and curl when the sole of the foot is stroked, indicating healthy neurological development.
Example:
When a doctor strokes the bottom of a baby's foot and their toes spread out, they are observing the Babinski reflex.
Conception
The moment a sperm fertilizes an egg, marking the beginning of prenatal development.
Example:
After a successful fertilization, the conception of a new life has occurred, and the journey from a single cell begins.
Conscious (Explicit) Memory
Memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and 'declare,' typically developing around age 4.
Example:
Remembering the details of your fifth birthday party, including who was there and what gifts you received, relies on your conscious (explicit) memory.
Embryo
The developing human organism from about two weeks after fertilization through the second month, following implantation in the uterine wall.
Example:
During the embryonic stage, the embryo undergoes significant development, forming major organs and body structures.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Physical and cognitive abnormalities in children caused by a pregnant woman's heavy drinking, characterized by distinct facial features and developmental delays.
Example:
A child diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome might exhibit a small head, an underdeveloped upper lip, and significant learning difficulties.
Fetus
The developing human organism from nine weeks after conception until birth, characterized by continued growth and refinement of body systems.
Example:
By the time it's a fetus, the developing baby's features are clearly recognizable, and it can even respond to sounds.
Habituation
A decrease in responsiveness to a stimulus after repeated exposure, indicating that an infant has become familiar with it.
Example:
When a baby stops looking intently at a new toy after seeing it many times, they are demonstrating habituation to the stimulus.
Infantile Amnesia
The common inability of adults to retrieve episodic memories from before the age of 3 or 4.
Example:
Most adults experience infantile amnesia, meaning they can't recall specific events from their earliest years, like their first birthday party.
Maturation
The orderly sequence of biological growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior, relatively uninfluenced by experience.
Example:
The predictable progression from crawling to walking is an example of maturation, as it unfolds naturally with biological development.
Moro Reflex
A newborn startle reflex where an infant's arms and legs extend and then retract in response to a sudden noise or movement.
Example:
If a loud noise startles a baby, they might suddenly throw their arms out and then pull them back in, demonstrating the Moro reflex.
Motor development
The progression of physical skills and abilities, such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, and walking, that occurs as the nervous system matures.
Example:
Observing a baby's first steps is a significant milestone in their motor development, showcasing their growing muscle control and coordination.
Placenta
A life-sustaining organ that develops from the outer cells of the zygote, providing nourishment and oxygen to the developing organism.
Example:
The placenta acts as a vital bridge between mother and baby, filtering waste and delivering essential nutrients.
Pruning
The process by which unused neural connections in the brain are eliminated, while frequently used ones are strengthened, optimizing brain efficiency.
Example:
During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant pruning, refining its neural networks based on experiences and learning.
Rooting Reflex
A newborn reflex where an infant turns their head and opens their mouth in search of a nipple when their cheek is touched.
Example:
A hungry newborn will display the rooting reflex, turning towards a gentle touch on their cheek, ready to feed.
Sucking Reflex
A newborn reflex that enables infants to draw milk or fluids into their mouth, essential for feeding.
Example:
Even before birth, babies develop the sucking reflex, which is crucial for their ability to nurse immediately after being born.
Teratogens
Agents, such as viruses or drugs, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm.
Example:
Exposure to certain medications or environmental toxins during pregnancy can act as teratogens, potentially leading to birth defects.
Zygote
The fertilized egg, which rapidly begins cell division as it travels towards the uterus for implantation.
Example:
In the first two weeks after fertilization, the rapidly dividing zygote is a tiny cluster of cells that will eventually form a human.