PSYCH 111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Preterm Birth, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Erik Erikson
Document Summary
Developmental psychology: universal aspects of lifespan development from conception through death; identifies cultural variations. Looks at elements of continuity and change over time. Zygote: fertilized egg; divides and implants itself in the wall of the uterus. Placenta: structure that allows oxygen and nutrients to pass into fetus from mother"s bloodstream; allows waste to pass out. 3rd month: digestive organs begin to function, buds for teeth form, sex organs develop rapidly, arms/fingers move. 4th month: face looks human, lower body outgrows head, bones are defined. 6th month: eyebrows/lashes well defined, eyes completely formed. 7th month: fetus capable of life outside uterus, age (threshold) of viability has changed and now considered to be 23 - 26 weeks (used to be 27 - 28) 8th/9th month: fat is deposited for later use, fingernails beyond fingertips, lanugo is shed. Myelination of brain takes place in the fetal stage, chief organs increase functioning, vernix covers body.
