Brain Development

Question 1

neurons

Answer 1

cells that store and transmit information

Question 2

synapses

Answer 2

fibers from different neurons that come close together but do not touch

Question 3

neurotransmitters

Answer 3

chemicals carrying messages

Question 4

programmed cell death

Answer 4

makes space for connective structures

Question 5

synaptic pruning

Answer 5

neurons that are seldom stimulated lose their synapses

Question 6

glial cells

Answer 6

responsible for myelination which improves eficiency of message transfer

Question 7

cerebral cortex

Answer 7

accounts for 85% of brain’s weight, greatest number of neurons and synapses

Question 8

prefrontal cortex

Answer 8

responsible for consciousness, attention, inhibition, integration, memory, reasoning, planning, problem-solving

Question 9

lateralization

Answer 9

specialization of two hemispheres

Question 10

brain plasticity

Answer 10

areas are not yet committed -> high capacity for learning

Question 11

dominant cerebral hemisphere

Answer 11

handedness reflects the greater capacity of one side of the brain to carry out skilled motor action

Question 12

cerebellum

Answer 12

balance and controlled body movement

Question 13

reticular formation

Answer 13

alertness and consciousness

Question 14

hippocampus

Answer 14

vital role in memory

Question 15

amygdala

Answer 15

central role in processing emotional information

Question 16

corpus callosum

Answer 16

large bundle of fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres

Question 17

experience-expectant brain growth

Answer 17

refers to the young brain’s rapidly developing organization

Question 18

experience-dependent brain growth

Answer 18

additional growth and refinement of established brain structures as a result of specific learning experiences that vary widely across individuals and cultures