PSYC100 Study Guide - Final Guide: Parental Investment, Visual Cortex, Preterm Birth

• School: University of Delaware
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC100
• Professor: Agnes R.Ly

Document Summary

Genes set the order and timing of development: development starts in the womb, at the moment of conception a zygote is created, which is firmly implanted in the uterine wall about 2 weeks after conception. From 2 weeks to 2 months the developing human is called an embryo; organs and internal systems begin to form; very vulnerable to harm from toxins, drugs, extreme stress, poor nutrition etc. After two months of prenatal development, all the organs are formed, the heart begins to beat, and the growing human is called a fetus. Myelination is the process of insulating the brain"s. Most neurons are already formed at birth; brain"s physical development continues through the growth of neurons and the new connections they make. An infant"s brain develops far more connections than it will ever use. The brain responds to environmental experiences and preserves connections it needs in order to function and pruning out others.