YR11 - SAC: Chapter 6 Review

Question 1

Define developmental plasticity

Answer 1

The ability of synapses to be modified

The development and consolidation of neural pathways in babies, children and adolescents

Question 2

Define adaptive plasticity

Answer 2

The ability of the brain to change, adapt and grow throughout life but diminish with age

Question 3

Define plasticity in reference to the brain

Answer 3

The way it changes in response to stimulation from the environment

Question 4

Describe the 5 stages of developmental plasticity

Answer 4

1. Proliferation
2. Migration
3. Circuit formation
4. Synaptic pruning
5. Myeilantion

Question 5

Define proliferation

Answer 5

Foetal neurons divide and multiply

Question 6

Define migration

Answer 6

Newly formed neurons move outward to their destined location. The role that particular neuron might have is determined by where it is located at its time of formation

Question 7

Define circuit formation

Answer 7

The axons of the new neurons move outwards towards adjacent cells and circuits are completed

Question 8

Define synaptic pruning

Answer 8

The elimination of excess neurons and synapses; those that have not established a connection with a neighbouring cell will die,

Question 9

Define myelination

Answer 9

The myelin sheath grows around the axons and many neurons, insulating them and making neutral transmission more efficient

Question 10

Define synaptogenesis and its importance

Answer 10

Synaptogenesis is the formation of synapses between neurons in the nervous system,

It is important for the establishment of the neuronal network and the precision of brain circuitry

Question 11

List three factors that occur during brain development during adolescence

Answer 11

Amygdala: becomes more active during adolescence

Corpus callosum: thickens and there is an increase in the number of nerve fibres between the two hemispheres

Frontal lobe: movement and high level of thinking

Question 12

Explain what sensitive periods are

Answer 12

Sensitive periods are the best or optimum times for a developing individual to learn specific things,

for example, infants must be exposed to language in the first year of life to allow them to use and understand it

Question 13

Define corpus collosum

Answer 13

The structure that connects the two cerebral hemispheres and information is shared between the two hemispheres through this structure