Chapter 4

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

Cell that carries information across the body and the brain

Question 2

Dendrites

Answer 2

Branched extensions of a neuron that picks up signals from other neurons

Question 3

Axon

Answer 3

Part of the cell that carries signals away from cell body towards other neurons

Question 4

Synapse

Answer 4

Connection between one neuron’s axon terminal and another neuron’s dendrite

Question 5

Synaptogenesis

Answer 5

The development of connections between neurons and growth of axons and dendrites

Question 6

Synaptic pruning

Answer 6

Process of eliminating unused and unnecessary synapses

Question 7

Left side of the brain

Answer 7

Time and sequences, processes of speech, registers external stimuli

Question 8

Right side of the brain

Answer 8

Detects patterns and images

Question 9

Lateralization

Answer 9

Some cognitive processes are more dominant on one side of the brain than the other

Question 10

Corpus callosum

Answer 10

Connects two hemispheres of the brain

Question 11

Frontal lobes

Answer 11

Rapid growth, synaptogenesis

-important for planning, regulating emotions, focusing attention

Question 12

Brain plasticity

Answer 12

Degree to which brain can e altered by experience

Question 13

Sensitive period

Answer 13

Time in development when brain is especially open to environmental influence

Question 14

Gross motor skills

Answer 14

Abilities required to control large movements of legs, arms, feet, or whole body

Question 15

Fine motor skills

Answer 15

Abilities required to control smaller movements of hands and fingers

Question 16

Physical hazards of early childhood

Answer 16

-childhood obesity & unintentional injury