Chapter 3 Flashcards
Malnourished
Being small for one’s age due to inadequate nutrition
Neuron
Basic cellular unit of the brain and nervous system that specializes in receiving and transmitting info
Cell Body
Center of the neuron that keeps the neuron alive
Dendrite
End of the neuron that receives info
Axon
Tube like structure that emerges from the cell body and transmits info to other neurons
Terminal Buttons
Small knobs at the end of the axon that release neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters
chemicals released by the terminal buttons that allow neurons to communicate with each other
Cerebral Cortex
Wrinkled surface of the brain that regulates many that are distinctly human
Hemispheres
Right and left halves of the cortex
Corpus Callosum
Thick bundle of neurons that connect the two hemispheres together
Frontal Cortex
Brain region that regulates personality and goal directed behavior
Neural Plate
Flat group of cells present in prenatal development that becomes the brain and the spinal cord
Myelin
Fatty sheath that wraps around neurons and enables them to transmit info more rapidly
Synaptic Pruning
Gradual reduction in the number of synapses in the infancy and the continuing until early adolescence
Electroencephalograph
The study of brain waves recorded from electrodes that are placed on the scalp
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Method of studying brain activity by using magnetic fields to track blood flow in the brain
Experience-Expectant Growth
Process by which the wiring of the brain is organized by experiences that are common to most humans
Experience-Dependent Growth
Process by which and individual’s unique experiences over a lifetime affect brain structures and organization
Motor Skills
Coordinated movements of the muscles and limbs
Locomote
Ability to move around in the world
Fine Motor Skills
Motor skills associated with grasping, holding, and manipulating objects
Toddling
Early unsteady form of walking done by infants
Toddlers
Young children who have just learned to walk
Dynamic Systems Theory
Theory that views motor development as involving many distinct skills that are organized over time to meet specific skills