Ch.6 Brain Development

Question 1

What does plasticity mean?

Answer 1

The ability of the brain’s synapses to be modified.

Question 2

What is developmental plasticity?

Answer 2

Is the development of neural pathways in babies, children and adolescents.

Question 3

What is adaptive plasticity?

Answer 3

The ability of the brain to change, adapt and grow throughout life.

Question 4

Proliferation

Answer 4

Neurons divide and multiply, creating 250000 cells per minute

Question 5

Migration

Answer 5

Once formed, neurons move to their final location in the CNS

Question 6

Circuit formation

Answer 6

A process that involves axons of new neurons growing out to target cells

Question 7

Synaptic pruning

Answer 7

Far more neurons are created than will eventually be needed. synaptic pruning reduces the amount of neurons in the brain

Question 8

Myelination

Answer 8

Myelin sheathing grows around the axons of many neurons, insulating them

Question 9

What are sensitive periods?

Answer 9

Are the best times for a developing individual to learn specific things.

Question 10

What is synaptogenesis?

Answer 10

The process of moulding and forming new synapses.

Question 11

The changes to the brain during adolescence

Answer 11

. Amygdala becomes more active
. Increase in number of neurons and synapses in cerebellum
. Corpus callous thickens and develops more connections between hemispheres
. Development of frontal lobe improves motor movement and higher order thinking

Question 12

What are critical periods?

Answer 12

A period in life when certain experiences must happen for normal development to proceed