Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the process called when each hemisphere develops specialist functions?
What is the process called when each hemisphere develops specialist functions?
- Neuroplasticity
- Synaptic Pruning
- Lateralisation (correct)
- Myelination
Which hemisphere is predominantly associated with language?
Which hemisphere is predominantly associated with language?
- Both hemispheres equally
- Either hemisphere randomly
- Left hemisphere (correct)
- Right hemisphere
Why can young children with brain injury recover a great deal of the loss?
Why can young children with brain injury recover a great deal of the loss?
- Because of myelination
- Because of neuroplasticity
- Because of synaptic pruning
- Because the brain is still developing and lateralisation is not complete (correct)
Which emotion is associated with the external environment?
Which emotion is associated with the external environment?
What is affected when there is brain damage to the right side?
What is affected when there is brain damage to the right side?
What percentage of an adult brain's weight does a newborn's brain comprise?
What percentage of an adult brain's weight does a newborn's brain comprise?
Which part of the brain is associated with spatial awareness and facial recognition?
Which part of the brain is associated with spatial awareness and facial recognition?
What is the stage of development where the brain areas concerned with basic survival, such as breathing and digestion, are present?
What is the stage of development where the brain areas concerned with basic survival, such as breathing and digestion, are present?
What is the term for the idea that the functions of each hemisphere remain unchanged throughout life?
What is the term for the idea that the functions of each hemisphere remain unchanged throughout life?
What percentage of the brain's cells are located in the outer cerebral cortex?
What percentage of the brain's cells are located in the outer cerebral cortex?
What is the possible outcome of overstimulation due to exposure to educational programmes in infants and toddlers?
What is the possible outcome of overstimulation due to exposure to educational programmes in infants and toddlers?
What is the relationship between brain growth and cognitive development during infancy and toddlerhood?
What is the relationship between brain growth and cognitive development during infancy and toddlerhood?
What is the process by which the brain eliminates unnecessary neurons during development?
What is the process by which the brain eliminates unnecessary neurons during development?
What is the term for the brain's ability to reorganize itself in response to environmental experiences?
What is the term for the brain's ability to reorganize itself in response to environmental experiences?
What is the result of the brain's overproduction of neurons followed by pruning dependent on environment?
What is the result of the brain's overproduction of neurons followed by pruning dependent on environment?
What is the result of the brain's compensatory mechanisms after brain damage in children?
What is the result of the brain's compensatory mechanisms after brain damage in children?
What is the primary driver of brain development according to Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience?
What is the primary driver of brain development according to Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience?
What is the process by which the brain eliminates or reduces unnecessary neural connections?
What is the process by which the brain eliminates or reduces unnecessary neural connections?
What is the term for the brain's ability to reorganize itself in response to changes or damage?
What is the term for the brain's ability to reorganize itself in response to changes or damage?
During which stage of development does the prefrontal cortex mature?
During which stage of development does the prefrontal cortex mature?
What is the primary function of myelin in the nervous system?
What is the primary function of myelin in the nervous system?
What is the term for the process by which the brain refines and moulds itself through the elimination of neurons?
What is the term for the process by which the brain refines and moulds itself through the elimination of neurons?
What is the consequence of demyelination of nerves in neurodegenerative diseases?
What is the consequence of demyelination of nerves in neurodegenerative diseases?
What is the region of the brain associated with higher-order thinking, such as planning, organizing, and attention?
What is the region of the brain associated with higher-order thinking, such as planning, organizing, and attention?
What is the term for the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences and learning?
What is the term for the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences and learning?
What is the primary reason for the brain's initial overproduction of neurons and synaptic connections?
What is the primary reason for the brain's initial overproduction of neurons and synaptic connections?
What is the term for the process by which the brain eliminates unnecessary neuronal connections?
What is the term for the process by which the brain eliminates unnecessary neuronal connections?
By what age is the myelination of neurons mostly complete?
By what age is the myelination of neurons mostly complete?
What is the benefit of the brain's ability to compensate for early damage through neuroplasticity?
What is the benefit of the brain's ability to compensate for early damage through neuroplasticity?
What is the estimated percentage of neurons that die during the process of synaptic pruning?
What is the estimated percentage of neurons that die during the process of synaptic pruning?
What is the primary reason why synaptic pruning is essential in the brain?
What is the primary reason why synaptic pruning is essential in the brain?
What is the implication of pruning extending into early adulthood?
What is the implication of pruning extending into early adulthood?
What is the primary function of glial cells in the brain?
What is the primary function of glial cells in the brain?
What is a potential consequence of impaired synaptic pruning in the brain?
What is a potential consequence of impaired synaptic pruning in the brain?
At what stage of development do neurons primarily stop forming?
At what stage of development do neurons primarily stop forming?
What is the significance of understanding the synaptic pruning process?
What is the significance of understanding the synaptic pruning process?
What is the relationship between synaptic pruning and brain growth?
What is the relationship between synaptic pruning and brain growth?
What is the implication of the prolonged pruning process on personality development?
What is the implication of the prolonged pruning process on personality development?
What is the relationship between myelination and brain development?
What is the relationship between myelination and brain development?
What is the potential link between synaptic pruning and neurodevelopmental disorders?
What is the potential link between synaptic pruning and neurodevelopmental disorders?
At birth, the brain weighs around ______ of an adult brain.
At birth, the brain weighs around ______ of an adult brain.
The ______ lobe is associated with processing bodily sensations.
The ______ lobe is associated with processing bodily sensations.
The ______ system is responsible for emotions and memory.
The ______ system is responsible for emotions and memory.
By ______ months old, the brain reaches 50% of its adult weight.
By ______ months old, the brain reaches 50% of its adult weight.
The ______ cortex is the most advanced part of the brain, located in the outer layer of the cerebrum.
The ______ cortex is the most advanced part of the brain, located in the outer layer of the cerebrum.
Certain motor functions can be ______ in adults.
Certain motor functions can be ______ in adults.
Frontal lobe activity and an increase of ______ connections during infancy and toddlerhood relate to grasping objects; walking; language.
Frontal lobe activity and an increase of ______ connections during infancy and toddlerhood relate to grasping objects; walking; language.
Surges in ______ growth can relate to cognitive development.
Surges in ______ growth can relate to cognitive development.
The brain develops as a result of our individual environment with ______ sensitivity.
The brain develops as a result of our individual environment with ______ sensitivity.
The brain over produces ______ and prunes these dependent on our environment.
The brain over produces ______ and prunes these dependent on our environment.
The right frontal lobe is associated with ______ and fear.
The right frontal lobe is associated with ______ and fear.
The left side of the brain is predominantly associated with ______.
The left side of the brain is predominantly associated with ______.
Emotions such as anger, interest, and joy are related to the ______ environment.
Emotions such as anger, interest, and joy are related to the ______ environment.
The process by which each hemisphere develops specialist functions is called ______.
The process by which each hemisphere develops specialist functions is called ______.
Young children with brain injury can recover a great deal of the loss because the brain is still ______.
Young children with brain injury can recover a great deal of the loss because the brain is still ______.
The __________ cortex matures well into adulthood
The __________ cortex matures well into adulthood
The brain is vulnerable and sensitive but also has a high __________ to internal and external threats
The brain is vulnerable and sensitive but also has a high __________ to internal and external threats
In the process of brain development, __________ leads to new behaviours and has a direct effect on developing skills
In the process of brain development, __________ leads to new behaviours and has a direct effect on developing skills
The capacity is built into the brain but development is dependent on the environment and how other brain areas __________ and interact with each other
The capacity is built into the brain but development is dependent on the environment and how other brain areas __________ and interact with each other
Brain change and __________ development are closely linked
Brain change and __________ development are closely linked
Myelin insulates ______ and supports the transfer of information through the nervous system
Myelin insulates ______ and supports the transfer of information through the nervous system
The ______ cortex is associated with higher order thinking – required as adults for planning, organizing, attention and inhibition
The ______ cortex is associated with higher order thinking – required as adults for planning, organizing, attention and inhibition
The brain has a degree of ______ through development
The brain has a degree of ______ through development
Myelination continues into adulthood, particularly in the ______ cortex
Myelination continues into adulthood, particularly in the ______ cortex
Grey matter - the ______ decline with age
Grey matter - the ______ decline with age
The infant cerebral cortexes have twice as many ______ connections than the adult.
The infant cerebral cortexes have twice as many ______ connections than the adult.
Pruning results in ______ that are rarely used losing their connection thereby moulding the child’s brain to suit the child’s individual environment.
Pruning results in ______ that are rarely used losing their connection thereby moulding the child’s brain to suit the child’s individual environment.
It is thought that Autism is linked to a lack of ______ of these excess synapses.
It is thought that Autism is linked to a lack of ______ of these excess synapses.
[Blank] starts at puberty and lasts into early adulthood.
[Blank] starts at puberty and lasts into early adulthood.
Glial cells continue to be generated throughout life – mainly in the process of ______ which produces the white matter of our CNS.
Glial cells continue to be generated throughout life – mainly in the process of ______ which produces the white matter of our CNS.
There is little development of ______ after about week 20 of gestation.
There is little development of ______ after about week 20 of gestation.
[Blank] is thought to extend into adulthood, suggesting there is scope for cognitive and emotional change into adulthood.
[Blank] is thought to extend into adulthood, suggesting there is scope for cognitive and emotional change into adulthood.
The brain develops as a result of our individual environment with ______ sensitivity.
The brain develops as a result of our individual environment with ______ sensitivity.
The brain overproduces ______ and prunes these dependent on our environment.
The brain overproduces ______ and prunes these dependent on our environment.
Since ______ is thought to extend into adulthood, it suggests there is scope for cognitive and emotional change into adulthood.
Since ______ is thought to extend into adulthood, it suggests there is scope for cognitive and emotional change into adulthood.
The initial axons find their own way, but subsequent axons follow trails left by initial axons guided by chemical signals and ______ to connect with the correct neuron.
The initial axons find their own way, but subsequent axons follow trails left by initial axons guided by chemical signals and ______ to connect with the correct neuron.
Once in the final destination, the axon starts creating ______ and building the brain’s communication channels.
Once in the final destination, the axon starts creating ______ and building the brain’s communication channels.
The brain overproduces neurons and synaptic connections; this process allows experience to mold which neurons and synapses are kept and which are lost, resulting in optimal ______ development.
The brain overproduces neurons and synaptic connections; this process allows experience to mold which neurons and synapses are kept and which are lost, resulting in optimal ______ development.
Neural migration is the process by which ______ find their way to the correct neuron and form connections.
Neural migration is the process by which ______ find their way to the correct neuron and form connections.
Synaptic pruning is the process by which the brain disposes of a neuron's connection with ______.
Synaptic pruning is the process by which the brain disposes of a neuron's connection with ______.
Match the following brain development processes with their corresponding descriptions:
Match the following brain development processes with their corresponding descriptions:
Match the following brain structures with their corresponding functions:
Match the following brain structures with their corresponding functions:
Match the following developmental stages with their corresponding brain growth milestones:
Match the following developmental stages with their corresponding brain growth milestones:
Match the following concepts with their corresponding implications for brain development:
Match the following concepts with their corresponding implications for brain development:
Match the following brain development processes with their corresponding consequences:
Match the following brain development processes with their corresponding consequences:
Match the following brain regions with their corresponding functions:
Match the following brain regions with their corresponding functions:
Match the following concepts with their corresponding brain development milestones:
Match the following concepts with their corresponding brain development milestones:
Match the following brain development processes with their corresponding benefits:
Match the following brain development processes with their corresponding benefits:
Match the following brain regions with their corresponding functions:
Match the following brain regions with their corresponding functions:
Match the following concepts with their corresponding brain development processes:
Match the following concepts with their corresponding brain development processes:
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Study Notes
Brain Functions and Hemispheric Specialization
- The right frontal lobe is associated with emotions related to withdrawal, such as fear, distress, and disgust, while the left lobe manages emotions that engage with the environment, like anger, interest, and joy.
- The left hemisphere controls movement and sensation on the right side of the body; it is primarily known for language processing.
- The right hemisphere is involved in spatial awareness, music, facial recognition, and pragmatics of language, affecting how we interpret nonliteral communication, including sarcasm.
- Lateralization is the specialization of each hemisphere, allowing them to develop distinct functions. This process is complex and can evolve over time.
Brain Development
- At birth, the brain weighs about 400g (25% of adult weight), reaching 50% by 6 months, and approximately 75% by age 2.
- The brain has three major evolutionary areas:
- Reptilian brain (cerebellum & brainstem) controls basic survival functions.
- Paleomammalian brain (limbic system) manages emotions and memory.
- Mammalian brain (cerebrum) is responsible for higher functions.
Maturation and Plasticity
- Hemispheric functions start from birth and follow the Invariance Hypothesis, suggesting that these functions remain stable throughout life despite changes in an individual's capabilities as they develop.
- Young children can recover from brain injuries better than adults, as their brains are still developing and not fully lateralized. For instance, damage to the left hemisphere may not fully impair language skills.
- Neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt and reorganize itself, facilitating recovery from injuries, although limits exist based on age and the extent of damage.
Myelination and Its Importance
- Myelination continues into adulthood, particularly in the frontal cortex, which is vital for high-order thinking, attention, and organization.
- Myelin insulates axons, aiding in information transfer within the nervous system and supporting nerve regeneration.
- Neurodegenerative diseases, like Multiple Sclerosis, involve demyelination, causing cognitive and physical impairments.
Synaptic Pruning
- Synaptic proliferation and pruning occur, where an infant's brain has more synaptic connections than an adult's brain, and pruning helps refine these connections.
- Overproduction of neurons and subsequent pruning increases efficiency in neural transmission; 20-80% of neurons may die during this process.
- The pruning process, which begins at puberty and continues into adulthood, is thought to be linked to conditions like autism if abnormalities occur.
Environmental Context and Learning
- Brain development is influenced by environmental experiences, linking to nature versus nurture debates in developmental psychology.
- Effective education should consider brain maturation timelines to optimize skill acquisition and cognitive development.
Implications for Cognitive Development
- Understanding the complexities of brain functions and development is crucial in comprehending various developmental theories (e.g., Piaget, Vygotsky).
- The interplay between brain maturation, neuronal pruning, and environmental factors shapes the cognitive and emotional development throughout a lifespan.### Brain Development Overview
- Brain size increases significantly: Birth weight is approximately 400g (25% of adult size); at 2 years, it reaches about 75% (average adult weight ~1400g).
- Critical brain areas include:
- Reptilian brain (cerebellum & brainstem): Responsible for essential survival functions like breathing and digestion.
- Paleomammalian brain (limbic system): Associated with emotions and memory.
- Mammalian brain (cerebrum): Most developed region, housing 90% of brain's cells.
Cerebral Functions
- Frontal lobe: Involved in planning, organizing, and higher-order mental functions.
- Left hemisphere: Dominates language, hearing, and some aspects of cognitive processing.
- Right hemisphere: Stronger in spatial awareness, music, and emotional processing.
- Parietal lobe: Handles bodily sensations and spatial orientation.
- Temporal lobe: Larger on the left side, crucial for language and auditory processing.
- Occipital lobe: Primarily associated with vision.
Hemispheric Specialization
- Functions of left and right hemispheres are consistent throughout life, known as the Invariance Hypothesis.
- Different maturation rates: The right hemisphere matures faster than the left.
- Right hemisphere controls the left side's movement and sensation, while the left hemisphere governs the right side.
Plasticity and Growth
- Neural connections undergo growth spurts, particularly in the frontal lobe during infancy and toddlerhood, aiding in motor skills and language acquisition.
- Brain development is influenced by environmental experiences, with over- and under-stimulation causing adverse effects on cognitive outcomes.
Impact of Stimulation
- High exposure to educational programs can reduce language test scores by 10% in young children.
- Excessive screen time leads to less effective learning compared to interactive personal engagement.
- Brain development requires tailored experiences within sensitive periods.
Connection to Developmental Theories
- The interaction of nature (genetic predispositions) and nurture (environmental influences) plays a critical role in brain and neuron development.
- Developmental milestones can be analyzed in the context of theories from prominent figures like Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, and Freud, linking environmental impacts and cognitive growth stages.
- Neuronal overproduction followed by pruning is tied to individual experiences, emphasizing the importance of nurturing environments during formative years.
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