Human Growth and Development Exam Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Terrance exhibits a combination of physical abnormalities like a thin upper lip, short eyelid openings, a small head, and a smooth philtrum, along with developmental delays and cognitive impairments. These characteristics are indicative of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which is caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. FAS is a severe condition resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure and is characterized by a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral issues. Choice A, fetal alcohol syndrome, is the correct answer as it aligns with Terrance's symptoms and the effects of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not encompass the full spectrum of symptoms and impairments presented by Terrance, which are specific to fetal alcohol syndrome.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Small-for-date infants more often show evidence of brain damage than preterm infants. This can be attributed to factors such as intrauterine growth restriction and poor nutrition during pregnancy, which can affect the development of the baby's brain. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because there is no evidence to support that small-for-date infants catch fewer infections, are less likely to die, or have higher intelligence tests compared to preterm infants.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Epidural analgesia is the most common approach to controlling pain during labor. It involves the administration of pain medication through a catheter placed in the epidural space of the spine, providing pain relief while allowing the mother to remain alert and participate in the birthing process. It is preferred by many women due to its effectiveness in reducing labor pain. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly address pain management during labor. While an anesthetic and a spinal block are forms of pain relief, epidural analgesia is specifically the most common method used for pain control during labor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. During prenatal development, the ectoderm folds over to form the neural tube, which eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord. The neural tube is the precursor to the central nervous system, including the primitive spinal cord. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the mesoderm does not form the neural tube, the endoderm is not involved in the formation of the central nervous system, and neuron tract is not the structure that forms the primitive spinal cord.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: During the second trimester of pregnancy, a white, cheeselike substance called vernix emerges on the skin of the developing fetus. Vernix is a protective layer that helps prevent the skin from becoming waterlogged during the time in the amniotic fluid. Choice A, lanugo, is incorrect as lanugo refers to the fine, soft hair that covers the body of a fetus. Choice B, corpus luteum, is incorrect as it is a temporary endocrine structure involved in the menstrual cycle. Choice D, chorion, is incorrect as it is one of the membranes that surround the embryo and later the fetus.