Neuroscience of Language Development Flashcards
What is neuroscience?
the branch of science involving the study of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system
what is neuroanatomy?
the structures of the body and the relationship of these structures to one another in the nervous system
what is neurophysiology?
the functions of the structures of the nervous system
What is the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
consists of the brain and spinal cord
What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
the cranial and spinal nerves which carries sensory information inward to and outward from the brain and spinal cord
What does the spinal cord do?
carries sensory information from the body to the brain and motor commands from the brain to the rest of the body through neuropathways
What are the two protective systems of the CNS?
- Bone: the skull protects the brain and the vertebral column covers the spinal cord
- Meninges: Layered membranes that completely cover the CNS
What does contralateral mean?
the right side of the brain processes information from and for the left side of the body and vice verse
Describe the peripheral nervous system
- system of nerves connected to the brain stem and spinal cord
- carries sensory information to the CNS and motor command away from the CNS
- Controls nearly all voluntary and involuntary activity of the human body
- Consists of 2 sets of nerves: cranial nerves and spinal nerves
Where do they cranial nerves run between?
the facial and neck regions
What is particularly important for speech, language, and hearing; transmits information for five senses; and carries motor impulses from the brain to the face and neck muscles including those for the tongue and jaw
cranial nerves
Where are the spinal nerves and what do they do?
they run between the spinal cord and all peripheral areas of the human body. they mediate reflexes, sensory activity, and volitional motor activity
What is the largest region of the brain?
cerebrum
What is a longitudinal fissure?
the crevice or fissure that separates the 2 hemispheres
What is the corpus callosum?
band of fibers that connects the 2 hemispheres and the conduit for communication between the hemispheres
What is the largest lobe in the brain?
the frontal lobe
What are the 2 key functions of the frontal lobe?
- activating and controlling fine and complex motor functions
- controlling human “executive functions”
What is executive functioning?
qualities that govern the organized, goal-directed, and controlled execution of critical human behaviors. It allows individuals to monitor and control purposeful behaviors, to override impulses, and to control information processing
What is the Theory of Mind?
the intuitive understanding of one’s own and other people’s minds or mental states- including thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, knowledge, intentions, desires, and emotions- and of how those mental states influence behavior
Where is the Theory of Mind controlled?
the frontal lobe
Where is Executive Functioning controlled?
the frontal lobe
At what age does limitations in theory of mind impact?
at all ages from children to adults, including educators
What areas of the frontal lobe impacts language?
the prefrontal cortex, primary motor cortex, premotor cortex
Where is the prefrontal cortex located?
the most anterior portion of the frontal lobe
What is the function of the prefrontal cortex?
synthesizes vast stores of information for complex human behaviors, and regulates deep feelings
What is the function of the primary motor cortex?
controls the initiation of voluntary movements of extremities and for speech
What is the function of the premotor cortex?
provides control of musculatures and programming patterns and sequences of movements
What is Broca’s Area?
region of the brain that is responsible for spoken communication, and the find coordination of speech output