PSY100H1 Chapter : Textbook Notes - Week 7.docx

• School: UTSG
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY100H1
• Professor: Ashley Waggoner Denton

Document Summary

Genes in combination with the environment in the womb govern much of the human nervous system"s prenatal development. Brain development does not stop at birth it continues throughout childhood and into old age. Hormones in the womb influence the developing fetus. Teratogens: environmental agents that harm the embryo or fetus, including drugs, alcohol, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Thalidomide given to ease morning sickness caused various birth defects such as limb deformities: disorders caused by teratogens, such as those involving language or reason, will not be as readily apparent as physical damages. Fetal alcohol syndrome manifests itself as low birth weight, face and head abnormalities, mental retardation and behavioural and cognitive problems. Further brain development appears necessary for cognitive development to occur. Synaptic pruning: a process whereby the synaptic connections in the brain that are frequently used are preserved, and those that are not are lost.