Module 5: Brain Development Flashcards
Neuron
Cell in the nervous system
Dendrites
Tiny “branch-like” extensions from the cell body that receive impulses from other neurons and carry the info. to the cell body
Axon
Long “tail-like” fiber that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body & toward other neurons thru. branches at the end called axon terminals
Myelin Sheath
Fatty layer that protects and insulates axons
Synapses
Small spaces between dendrites and axon terminals, through which electrical impulses are passed
Neurotransmitters
Move across the space between the cells where the dendrites of the nearby cell receive the signal & transmit it to its cell body
Myelination
The creation of myelin sheaths around axons, begins prenatally and occurs rapidly in the first 2 years of life.
Pruning
The systematic elimination of excess/redundant synapses
Brainstem
Comprises several structures found in the lower part of the brain that regulate vital functions: Reflexes, respiration, digestion, arousal, temperature regulation, metabolism, hormones, and drives
Limbic system
Hippocampus, Cerebrum, amygdala, Cerebral Cortex
hippocampus
Formation of memories and retrieval of info. from long term memory
Amygdala
Anger, fear, happiness, anxiety
Cerebrum
Largest part of human brain: Thinking, problem solving, planning, attention, and language
Cerebral Cortex
Multi-layered sheet of cells covering the cerebrum
Cerebral Hemispheres
Each hemispheres controls info. and motor responses on the opposite side of the body
Corpus Callosum
Connects communication between left and right hemispheres
Wernicke’s area
Producing meaningful speech
Broca’s area
Producing speech sounds and syntax
Occipital Lobe
Back of cortex: Processes visual info.
Temporal Lobe
Hearing, language, long-term memories
Parietal Lobe
Above temporal: Spatial processing and integration of info. from senses
Frontal Lobe
Executive functioning abilities: working memory, planning, making decisions, solving problems, implementing strategies, and exhibiting inhibitory control
Plasticity
The brain’s flexbility
Experience-expectant plasticity
The forming of biologically preprogrammed connections among neurons in response to environmental stimulation that the brain expects to receive based on evolution
Experience-dependent plasticity
Brain uses the structures & connections already present for language & modify them in response to exposure to print & learning to read
Sensitive Periods
Windows of opportunity in which the brain is prepared for optimal learning
