PSYCH211 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Dwarfism, Reticular Formation
16 Oct 2011
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By age 5, body proportions are similar to those of adults. Depending on culture, we should not view short stature as a sign of problems with growth or health. Between ages 2 and 6, there are appx. 45 new epiphyses - where cartilage hardens into bone. X-ray of growth centers enable doctors to estimate children"s skeletal age; can be helpful in diagnosing growth disorders. End of preschool years - children start losing their baby teeth; can depend on genetics, nutritional factors. Diseased baby teeth can affect the health of permanent teeth. Another factor for teeth is protection from exposure to tobacco smoke which suppresses children"s immune system, including ability to fight bacteria. Age 2-6 - brain increases from 70% of its adult weight to 90%; also undergoes reshaping and refining. Overabundance of synaptic connections supports plasticity; synaptic pruning then follows. Rapid growth of frontal lobe from 3-6 yrs (attention and planning behavior), and also left hemisphere activity.
