Psychology CHP.6 Flashcards
For SAC/Exam
plasticity
refers to the way the brain changes in response to stimulation from the environment.
- process occurs at the synaptic connections in the brain
- important for learning through life
developmental plasticity
the ability of synapses to be modified
-changes to the brain occur more often in the foetal stage and in babies, child and adolescents
adaptive plasticity
when changes continue through life as learning takes place
Proliferation
foetal neurons divide and multiply creating 250,000 cells per minute
migration
once formed, neurons move to their final location in the CNS. The location determines their function
circuit formation,
the axons of the new neurons move outwards towards adjacent cells and circuits are completed
synaptic pruning
occurs in childhood and adolescence
- extra neurons are removed
myelination
myelin sheathing grows around many axons of many neurons. this makes neural transmission more efficient. it occurs until about age 23
synaptogenesis
the process of forming new synapses
The changes to the brain during adolescence
during adolescence, there is a large amount of development in structures of the brain: cerebellum, amygdala, corpus callosum & frontal lobe
What is meant by a sensitive period?
certain stages that are perfect for learning certain things
- during it, the brain needs specific stimulation in order to make neuron pathways
- usually, stimulation occurs as part of a person’s natural development
pruning
a process that changes and reduces number of neurons, axons & synapses
example of stimulation
infants must be exposed to language in the first year of life to allow them to use and understand language
cerebellum in adolescence
there is an increase number of neurons and synapses in the cerebellum, might explain why some teens are more physically uncoordinated than older adults
amygdala in adolescence
becomes more active
