PSYC 302 Lecture Notes - Amniotic Sac, Prenatal Development, Twin
Document Summary
Female reproductive system: the process of reproduction starts with the launching of an egg from one of the woman"s ovaries into the fallopian tube. If sperm are available near the time the egg is released, then conception will be possible. Phylogenetic continuity: the idea that because of our common evolutionary history, humans share some characteristics and developmental processes with other animals, especially mammals. Individual differences also influence the effects of teratogens. Identifying teratogens is made difficult by the existence of sleeper effects in which the impact of a given agent may not be apparent for many years: teratogens include legal as well as illegal substances Illegal drugs birth: approximately 4% of pregnant women in the u. s. use illicit drugs, marijuana is suspected of affecting memory, learning, and visual skills after, cocaine-exposed children have reported cognitive and social deficits. Occupational hazards: many women have jobs that bring them into contact with potentially hazardous elements (e. g. , automobile exhaust, pesticides, chemicals, noise pollution)
