Developmental Psych: Ch 3
fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
a cluster of abnormalities and problems that appears in the offspring of mothers who drink heavily during pregnancy
teratogen
any agent that can potentially cause a physical birth defent
placenta
consists of a disk-shaped group of tissues in which small blood vessels from the mother and the offspring intertwine but don't join
umbilical cord
contains two arteries and one vein, and connects the baby to the placenta
psychoactive drugs
drugs that act on the nervous system to alter states of consciousness, modify perceptions, and change moods
teratology
field of study that investigates the causes of birth defects
neurogenesis
formation of new neurons
viable
has a chance of surviving outside the womb
germinal period
includes the creation of the zygote, continued cell division, and the attachment of the zygote to the uterine wall
endoderm
inner layer of cells, which develops into digestive and respiratory systems
3 in/3 oz
length of fetus/weight of fetus at 3 months
6 in/4-7 oz
length of fetus/weight of fetus at 4 months
12 in/1 lb
length of fetus/weight of fetus at 5 months
14 in/1-1.5 lb
length of fetus/weight of fetus at 6 months
amnion
life-support system that is a thin bag or envelope that contains a clear fluid in which the developing embryo floats
neurons
nerve cells, which handle information processing at the cellular level
neuronal migration
occurs at approximately 6 to 24 weeks after conception; involves cells moving outward from their point of origin to their appropriate locations and creating the different levels, structures, and regions of the brain
ectoderm
outermost layer of cells, which becomes the nervous system and brain, sensory receptors (ears, nose, and eyes) and skin parts (hair and nails)
germinal period
period of prenatal development that takes place in the first two weeks after conception
organogenesis
process of organ formation that takes place during the first two months of prenatal development
implantation
takes place about 10 to 14 days after conception
embryonic period
takes place about two to eight weeks after conception
implantation
the attachment of the zygote to the uterine wall
blastocyst
the inner mass of cells that develops during the germinal period; these cells later develop into the embryo
mesoderm
the middle layer of cells, which becomes the circulatory system, bones, muscles, excretory system, and reproductive system
trophoblast
the outer later of cells that develops in the germinal period; these cells alter provide nutrition and support for the embryo
embryonic period
the period of prenatal development that occurs two to eight weeks after conception; the rate of cell differentiation intensifies, support systems for the cells form, and organs appear
fetal period
the prenatal period of development that begins two months after conception and lasts for seven months on average