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cephalocaudal

adj. from head to tail, as in the long axis of the body. The term typically refers to the maturation of an embryo or infant, wherein the greatest development takes place at the top of the body (i.e., the head) before the lower parts (i.e., the arms, trunk, legs). Compare proximodistal.

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Psychology term of the day

February 14th 2025

mortality effect

mortality effect

the degree to which circumstances or behavior increase or decrease the incidence of death. For example, a behavioral health researcher could study the mortality effects of a fatty diet and lack of exercise, which could lead to early death from heart disease.