topic 1 - development of the brain Flashcards
brain
the brain is an organ in your head made up of nerves that processes information and controls behaviour
forebrain
the anterior part of the brain, including the hemispheres and the central brain structures
midbrain
the middle section of the brain forming part of the central nervous system
hindbrain
the lower part of the brain that includes the cerebellum, pons and the medulla oblongata
anteriror
directed towards the front, when used in relation to our biology
posterior
directed towards the back, when used in relation to our biology
cerebellum
an area of the brain near to the brain stem that controls motor movements.
medulla oblongata
connects the upper brain to the spinal cord and controls automatic response
involuntary response
a response to stimulus that occurs without someone making a conscious choice. They are automatic, such as reflexes
neural connections
links formed by messages passing from one nerve cell (neuron) to another.
what develops when the foetus is about 3 or 4 weeks old?
a long tube develops in the brain and is dived into 3 sections: the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain.
what happens when the foetus reaches 5 weeks old?
the forebrain and hindbrain split into the anterior and the posterior sections of the brain, however, the midbrain doesn’t divide.
what happens when the foetus reaches 6 week old and a year after birth?
The cerebellum can be seen in the foetus and it is three times the size
what does the cerebellum control?
The cerebellum control psychical skills, it is also involved in responses such as fear and in functions such as processing sensory information.
what does the medulla oblongata control?
The medulla controls involuntary responses such as sneezing and breathing, as well as the heart rate and blood pressure.
