Module 5: Brain Development

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

Cell in the nervous system

Question 2

Dendrites

Answer 2

Tiny “branch-like” extensions from the cell body that receive impulses from other neurons and carry the info. to the cell body

Question 3

Axon

Answer 3

Long “tail-like” fiber that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body & toward other neurons thru. branches at the end called axon terminals

Question 4

Myelin Sheath

Answer 4

Fatty layer that protects and insulates axons

Question 5

Synapses

Answer 5

Small spaces between dendrites and axon terminals, through which electrical impulses are passed

Question 6

Neurotransmitters

Answer 6

Move across the space between the cells where the dendrites of the nearby cell receive the signal & transmit it to its cell body

Question 7

Myelination

Answer 7

The creation of myelin sheaths around axons, begins prenatally and occurs rapidly in the first 2 years of life.

Question 8

Pruning

Answer 8

The systematic elimination of excess/redundant synapses

Question 9

Brainstem

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Limbic system

Answer 10

Hippocampus, Cerebrum, amygdala, Cerebral Cortex

Question 11

hippocampus

Answer 11

Formation of memories and retrieval of info. from long term memory

Question 12

Amygdala

Answer 12

Anger, fear, happiness, anxiety

Question 13

Cerebrum

Answer 13

Largest part of human brain: Thinking, problem solving, planning, attention, and language

Question 14

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 14

Multi-layered sheet of cells covering the cerebrum

Question 15

Cerebral Hemispheres

Answer 15

Each hemispheres controls info. and motor responses on the opposite side of the body

Question 16

Corpus Callosum

Answer 16

Connects communication between left and right hemispheres

Question 17

Wernicke’s area

Answer 17

Producing meaningful speech

Question 18

Broca’s area

Answer 18

Producing speech sounds and syntax

Question 19

Occipital Lobe

Answer 19

Back of cortex: Processes visual info.

Question 20

Temporal Lobe

Answer 20

Hearing, language, long-term memories

Question 21

Parietal Lobe

Answer 21

Above temporal: Spatial processing and integration of info. from senses

Question 22

Frontal Lobe

Answer 22

Executive functioning abilities: working memory, planning, making decisions, solving problems, implementing strategies, and exhibiting inhibitory control

Question 23

Plasticity

Answer 23

The brain’s flexbility

Question 24

Experience-expectant plasticity

Answer 24

The forming of biologically preprogrammed connections among neurons in response to environmental stimulation that the brain expects to receive based on evolution

Question 25

Experience-dependent plasticity

Answer 25

Brain uses the structures & connections already present for language & modify them in response to exposure to print & learning to read

Question 26

Sensitive Periods

Answer 26

Windows of opportunity in which the brain is prepared for optimal learning