Lifespan Development Chapter 5 Quiz

Amygdala

A tiny brain structure that registers emotions, particularly fear and anxiety

Children's diets

deficient in iron, zinc, and calcium

Hippocampus

A brain structure that is central processor of memory, especially memory for locations

Age 2-6

Well-nourished children add almost 3 inches in height and gain about 4 ½ pounds in weight

Corpus Callosum

a band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right sides of the brain

Failure if the corpus callosum

develop nominally results in serious disorders and is one of many possible causes of autism

Lead

environment hazard that has been thoroughly researched

Height

especially variable among children of African heritage because they are more genetically diverse.

Impulsiveness and perseveration

have the same underlying cause: immaturity of the prefrontal cortex

Practice

improves dexterity and advances fine motor skills, which involve small body movements, but are still difficult to master

Growth of the corpus callosum

makes communication between the 2 brain hemispheres more efficient

Corpus callosum of left-handed person

often thicker than that of a right-handed person

Increased activity of the amygdala

one reason some children have frightening nightmare or sudden terrors

Limbic System

parts of the brain that are crucial in the expression and regulation of emotions

Myelination

primary reason for faster thinking; the process by which axons become coated with myelin, a fatty substance that speeds the transmission of nerve impulse from neuron to neuron

1970's Lead

proved that exposure to lead reduces intelligence and increases behavior problems in young children

Lateralization

referring to the specialization in certain functions by each side of the brain, with one side dominant for each activity

"Just-right" phenomenon

some children insist on eating certain foods, prepared and presented in a particular way. Pathological in adults but normal in children under the age 6

Tooth decay

the most common disease of young children in developed nations

Body mass index (BMI)

the ratio of weight to height; it is lower at age 5 than at any other age in the entire life span

By age 2, the brain

weighs 75% of what it will in adults