Chapter 5: Physical Growth Flashcards
(39 cards)
Distance Curve
A growth chart showing cumulative changes in size over time, such as height and weight, to track overall physical growth.
Velocity Curve
A graph displaying the rate of growth over time, highlighting growth spurts and periods of slower growth.
Cephalocaudal Trend
A pattern of growth where development proceeds from the head downward to the rest of the body.
Proximodistal Trend
A pattern of growth where development begins at the center of the body and moves outward to the extremities.
Skeletal Age
A measure of physical maturity based on the development and hardening of bones, typically assessed through X-rays of the growth plates.
Epiphyses
Growth centers at the ends of long bones where cartilage cells produce new bone, enabling lengthwise growth during childhood and adolescence.
What is the primary role of the pituitary gland in growth?
The pituitary gland releases hormones that regulate growth, including growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and sex hormones.
How does the hypothalamus contribute to growth control?
The hypothalamus monitors hormone levels in the bloodstream and signals the pituitary gland to increase or decrease hormone production through a feedback loop.
What does growth hormone (GH) do?
GH promotes growth in all tissues (except the brain and genitals) and stimulates the liver and bones to release IGF-1, which triggers cell duplication and growth.
What is the function of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?
TSH prompts the thyroid gland to release thyroxine, which is essential for brain development and enhances the effects of GH on body size.
What role do estrogens play in growth and development?
In females, estrogens promote the development of breasts and reproductive organs, regulate the menstrual cycle, and contribute to fat distribution and bone density.
What are androgens, and how do they affect growth?
Androgens, including testosterone in males, promote muscle growth, body and facial hair, male sex characteristics, and enhance the effects of GH on body size.
Secular Trends in Physical Growth
Over time, children and adolescents in industrialized nations have grown larger and matured earlier than in past generations, likely due to improved nutrition and health.
Neurons
Neurons are nerve cells that transmit information in the brain and body. They form connections (synapses) and communicate through electrical and chemical signals.
Synapses
Synapses are the gaps between neurons where information is transmitted through chemical signals.
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by neurons at synapses to communicate with other neurons.
Programmed Cell Death
A natural process where surplus neurons die, making room for more efficient neural networks during brain development.
Synaptic Pruning
The process of eliminating unused synapses, which strengthens important connections and makes the brain more efficient.
Glial Cells
Glial cells support neurons by providing insulation, nutrients, and removing waste. They are crucial for myelination.
Myelination
Myelination is the process of coating neural fibers with a fatty sheath (myelin), which speeds up the transmission of neural messages.
Cerebral Cortex
The largest brain structure, responsible for higher functions like thinking, sensory processing, and voluntary movements. It is highly sensitive to environmental influences.
Prefrontal Cortex
A part of the frontal lobe responsible for advanced cognitive functions, such as planning, problem-solving, and regulating emotions. It develops slowly and matures during adolescence.
What is lateralization?
Lateralization refers to the specialization of functions in one hemisphere of the brain, where certain cognitive tasks or motor skills are primarily managed by either the left or right hemisphere.
What is brain plasticity?
Brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, allowing it to adapt to learning, experiences, and recovery from injury.
