Question 1

Many women bottle-feed because:

Accepted Answer

Many women may have to return to work after childbirth and may not have the time or flexibility to breast-feed. Therefore, they choose to bottle-feed their infants.

Question 2

Which of the following is true of neurons?

Accepted Answer

Infants are born with about 100 billion neurons, most of which are in the brain. While there is some natural pruning of neurons during development, the number of neurons a person has does not typically decrease. Therefore, options A and C are incorrect. Option B is also incorrect because the brain contains more neurons than the spinal cord, regardless of age.

Question 3

In the context of infant nutrition, infants _____.

Accepted Answer

Infants require significantly more iron, pound for pound, than adults do because they are experiencing rapid growth and development. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency in infants can lead to anemia and can negatively impact cognitive and physical development. Formula and baby cereals are often fortified with iron to ensure that infants are getting enough of this important nutrient.

Question 4

Messages are released from axon terminals in the form of chemicals called _____.

Accepted Answer

Messages are released from axon terminals in the form of chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Question 5

The introduction of whole cow's milk to an infant:

Accepted Answer

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends delaying the introduction of whole cow's milk until the infant is nine to twelve months old. This is because cow's milk can be difficult for an infant's developing digestive system to handle and may lead to iron deficiency anemia. Breast milk or formula should be the primary source of nutrition until the infant is at least six months old.

Question 6

Which of the following statements is true of dendrites?

Accepted Answer

Dendrites are short fibers that extend from the cell body of a neuron and receive information from other neurons. They are responsible for the initial processing of incoming signals and play a key role in determining whether a neuron will fire an action potential.

Question 7

In the context of neurons, which of the following is a function of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

The myelin sheath serves to insulate the axon and minimize leakage of the electric current being carried along it, allowing electrical messages to be transmitted more efficiently and quickly. It does not facilitate the entry of electrically charged atoms, prevent electrical messages from traveling down the axon, or facilitate the creation of neurotransmitters.

Question 8

An individual develops intellectual disability because of a disorder called phenylketonuria. Which of the following occurrences is a cause of the intellectual disability in the individual?

Accepted Answer

Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder that results in the buildup of phenylalanine, an amino acid, in the body. This buildup can lead to the inhibition of normal myelin development in the individual's brain, which is critical for proper neural functioning. As a result, intellectual disability can occur.

Question 9

Billy is a four-year-old boy. He has trouble walking and running like other children his age, and he sleeps through most of the day. He is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Billy's condition is the result of _____.

Accepted Answer

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder that occurs when the myelin sheaths that surround and protect nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord are damaged or destroyed. This disrupts the ability of the nerves to transmit signals properly, resulting in a variety of symptoms including difficulty with walking and sensory disturbances.

Question 10

Breakdown of myelin is believed to be associated with _____, a source of cognitive decline that begins later in life.

Accepted Answer

Myelin breakdown has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, which is a form of dementia that involves cognitive decline and memory impairment. Multiple sclerosis is also associated with myelin breakdown, but it is a neurological condition that typically occurs earlier in life and affects motor function. Autism and Down syndrome are not typically associated with myelin breakdown.

Question 11

According to a research conducted by Rose et al. in 2014, which of the following is a downside to breast-feeding?

Accepted Answer

The research conducted by Rose et al. in 2014 identified that breast-feeding can have a downside of an increased risk of transmission of HIV from infected mothers to infants. The other options (A, C, and D) are not supported by this research.

Question 12

From birth, infants should be:

Accepted Answer

Breast milk is the recommended choice of feeding for infants from birth as it provides all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. It contains antibodies that help protect the baby from infections and diseases. Formula milk is also a suitable alternative if breastfeeding is not possible. Solid foods and cow's milk should be introduced gradually after 6 months of age, as the baby's digestive system is not mature enough to handle them before then. Finger foods should be introduced later when the baby has developed the necessary motor skills to self-feed.

Question 13

The basic units of the nervous system are cells called _____.

Accepted Answer

Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system, specialized cells that can transmit electrical and chemical signals to other cells. Ova are eggs, lymphocytes are immune cells, and neutrophils are a type of white blood cell.

Question 14

Which of the following is true of myelination?

Accepted Answer

Myelination is not complete at birth and continues throughout childhood and adolescence. The prefrontal matter of the brain is not fully myelinated until young adulthood. The breakdown of myelin typically occurs later in life, not in the first decade. Myelination is indeed part of the maturation process that leads to the abilities to crawl and walk during the first year after birth.

Question 15

Which of the following is true of the diet for infants?

Accepted Answer

Infants actually need fat and cholesterol for proper brain and nervous system development. While it is important to avoid excessive amounts, restricting them too much can be harmful to the infant's growth and development.

Question 16

Which of the following is a guideline for infant nutrition from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2011?

Accepted Answer

Introducing new foods one at a time helps identify any allergies or intolerances the infant may have. The other options are not recommended as complete restriction of fat and cholesterol can harm the infant's growth and development, and avoiding high-iron foods can lead to iron deficiency anemia.

Question 17

The high _____ of a myelin sheath insulates a neuron from electrically charged atoms in the fluids that encase the nervous system.

Accepted Answer

Myelin is made up of lipids, specifically a type of fatty substance called sphingolipids, which are high in fat content. This insulation helps prevent the leakage of electrical signals in the nervous system.

Question 18

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants should be fed breast milk:

Accepted Answer

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants should be fed breast milk exclusively for the first six months, and then continue to breastfeed while introducing complementary foods for at least one year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.

Question 19

The introduction of finger foods to an infant is recommended:

Accepted Answer

The introduction of finger foods is recommended in the latter part of the first year, typically around 8-10 months of age, when infants have developed the dexterity and motor skills necessary to pick up and self-feed with small pieces of food. Starting too early (option A) may increase the risk of choking, while waiting until two to three years of age (option D) may delay the development of self-feeding skills and lead to picky eating habits. Option C is not relevant as infants are exclusively breastfed or formula-fed for the first 6 months of life, with the introduction of solid foods starting around 6 months.

Question 20

In the context of introducing solid foods to an infant, which of the following is recommended?

Accepted Answer

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods to infants at around four to six months of age, when they are developmentally ready and have appropriate head and neck control to sit up and swallow. Waiting too long to introduce solid foods may increase the risk of developing food allergies, and introducing solid foods too early may increase the risk of choking and interfere with the infant's intake of breast milk or formula, which is still the main source of nutrition in the first year of life.

Quiz 4: Infancy: Physical Development