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Questions and Answers
How does synaptic pruning contribute to brain development from birth to adolescence?
How does synaptic pruning contribute to brain development from birth to adolescence?
- It increases the number of neurons available for potential connections, maximizing plasticity.
- It promotes the formation of new neurons to compensate for damaged brain tissue.
- It eliminates unused or unnecessary synaptic connections, improving neural efficiency. (correct)
- It strengthens all existing synaptic connections to ensure efficient processing.
How might early deprivation of sensory stimulation affect the development of the cerebral cortex, considering the principles of plasticity and specialization?
How might early deprivation of sensory stimulation affect the development of the cerebral cortex, considering the principles of plasticity and specialization?
- It would accelerate the lateralization process, causing a more pronounced division of labor between hemispheres.
- It would enhance neural specialization due to the brain compensating for the lack of diverse sensory input.
- It would result in increased synaptic density and stronger connections in the remaining functional areas of the brain.
- It could lead to a smaller cerebral cortex with less complex neural networks because of reduced stimulation for synaptic formation and pruning. (correct)
Considering the proximodistal trend in motor development, which of the following sequences accurately represents the order in which a child typically gains control?
Considering the proximodistal trend in motor development, which of the following sequences accurately represents the order in which a child typically gains control?
- Wrists, shoulders, fingers
- Fingers, wrists, shoulders
- Shoulders, wrists, fingers (correct)
- Shoulders, fingers, wrists
How does the concept of intermodal perception contribute to an infant's understanding of the world?
How does the concept of intermodal perception contribute to an infant's understanding of the world?
If an infant continues to exhibit newborn reflexes beyond the typical age range, what might this indicate about their neurological development?
If an infant continues to exhibit newborn reflexes beyond the typical age range, what might this indicate about their neurological development?
What is the MOST likely outcome if a child who is unable to breastfeed is consistently fed formula with a taste that initially elicits a negative reaction?
What is the MOST likely outcome if a child who is unable to breastfeed is consistently fed formula with a taste that initially elicits a negative reaction?
Considering the cephalocaudal trend, why do infants gain control over their head and neck muscles before they gain control over their leg muscles?
Considering the cephalocaudal trend, why do infants gain control over their head and neck muscles before they gain control over their leg muscles?
How does the development of fine motor skills during infancy, exemplified by the progression from a palmer grasp to a pincer grasp, reflect neural maturation?
How does the development of fine motor skills during infancy, exemplified by the progression from a palmer grasp to a pincer grasp, reflect neural maturation?
What implications does the rapid brain growth during the 2-6 year age range have for cognitive development, particularly in areas such as language acquisition and problem-solving?
What implications does the rapid brain growth during the 2-6 year age range have for cognitive development, particularly in areas such as language acquisition and problem-solving?
What is the MOST significant role of glial cells in brain development during infancy?
What is the MOST significant role of glial cells in brain development during infancy?
Considering the functional differences between the left and right hemispheres, what challenges might a child with damage to the left hemisphere face, particularly concerning language and analytical skills?
Considering the functional differences between the left and right hemispheres, what challenges might a child with damage to the left hemisphere face, particularly concerning language and analytical skills?
How do individual and sex differences in body growth during middle childhood (6-12 years) influence motor skill development?
How do individual and sex differences in body growth during middle childhood (6-12 years) influence motor skill development?
What effect does synaptic pruning, occurring during middle childhood (6-12 years), have on cognitive processing?
What effect does synaptic pruning, occurring during middle childhood (6-12 years), have on cognitive processing?
How might an imbalance in neurotransmitter function during middle childhood (6-12 years) affect a child's behavior and cognitive abilities?
How might an imbalance in neurotransmitter function during middle childhood (6-12 years) affect a child's behavior and cognitive abilities?
How does the plasticity of the brain change as a child progresses from infancy to later childhood, and what implications does this have for recovery from brain injuries?
How does the plasticity of the brain change as a child progresses from infancy to later childhood, and what implications does this have for recovery from brain injuries?
Consider an infant who shows a strong preference for their native language from birth. How does this preference likely develop?
Consider an infant who shows a strong preference for their native language from birth. How does this preference likely develop?
If a child consistently fails to meet expected motor development milestones within the typical age range, what should be the initial course of action?
If a child consistently fails to meet expected motor development milestones within the typical age range, what should be the initial course of action?
An infant displays a strong rooting reflex immediately after birth. Which adaptive function does this reflex serve?
An infant displays a strong rooting reflex immediately after birth. Which adaptive function does this reflex serve?
During which stage of development does the MOST significant amount of synaptic pruning occur, and what is its primary impact on neural processing?
During which stage of development does the MOST significant amount of synaptic pruning occur, and what is its primary impact on neural processing?
How does the preference for complex sounds and novel stimuli in infants contribute to language acquisition and cognitive development?
How does the preference for complex sounds and novel stimuli in infants contribute to language acquisition and cognitive development?
What is MOST likely to result from damage to the parietal lobe during middle childhood (6-12 years)?
What is MOST likely to result from damage to the parietal lobe during middle childhood (6-12 years)?
How would early exposure to a highly enriched environment, with diverse stimuli and frequent interaction, affect brain development, considering plasticity?
How would early exposure to a highly enriched environment, with diverse stimuli and frequent interaction, affect brain development, considering plasticity?
An infant displays a preference for sweet tastes shortly after birth. Which biological function does this preference serve?
An infant displays a preference for sweet tastes shortly after birth. Which biological function does this preference serve?
What is the MOST accurate description of how auditory localization develops in infants?
What is the MOST accurate description of how auditory localization develops in infants?
If a newborn exhibits a strong aversion to the smell of rotten eggs, what potential adaptive advantage does this response provide?
If a newborn exhibits a strong aversion to the smell of rotten eggs, what potential adaptive advantage does this response provide?
Why is REM sleep particularly important in the early stages of visual development for infants?
Why is REM sleep particularly important in the early stages of visual development for infants?
How does the development of hand-eye coordination in infants contribute to later cognitive and motor skills?
How does the development of hand-eye coordination in infants contribute to later cognitive and motor skills?
How might early introduction of solid foods before 4 months impact an infant's taste preferences?
How might early introduction of solid foods before 4 months impact an infant's taste preferences?
How does the rate of body growth from birth to age 2 compare to other stages of development?
How does the rate of body growth from birth to age 2 compare to other stages of development?
If a child experiences significant visual impairment early in life, how would this affect the development of intermodal perception?
If a child experiences significant visual impairment early in life, how would this affect the development of intermodal perception?
What is the significance of newborns being highly sensitive to changes in temperature?
What is the significance of newborns being highly sensitive to changes in temperature?
Considering research disproved William James' theory about infant perception, what are infants actually predisposed to do regarding sensory input?
Considering research disproved William James' theory about infant perception, what are infants actually predisposed to do regarding sensory input?
How does the specialization of neurons in the cerebral cortex during early development influence cognitive abilities?
How does the specialization of neurons in the cerebral cortex during early development influence cognitive abilities?
What is the role of the corpus callosum in brain development during middle childhood (6-12 years)?
What is the role of the corpus callosum in brain development during middle childhood (6-12 years)?
If an infant is unable to detect salt until 4 months old, how might this limitation influence their dietary preferences and acceptance of new foods?
If an infant is unable to detect salt until 4 months old, how might this limitation influence their dietary preferences and acceptance of new foods?
What is the functional significance of the fact that the left hemisphere of the brain processes positive emotions while the right hemisphere processes negative emotions?
What is the functional significance of the fact that the left hemisphere of the brain processes positive emotions while the right hemisphere processes negative emotions?
How does the rapid metabolism of the brain at age 4 relate to the cognitive development of a child?
How does the rapid metabolism of the brain at age 4 relate to the cognitive development of a child?
If a baby is born with binocular vision, what practical advantage does this give them?
If a baby is born with binocular vision, what practical advantage does this give them?
Why is assessing newborns' reflexes important according to the Apgar Scale?
Why is assessing newborns' reflexes important according to the Apgar Scale?
Flashcards
Habituation
Habituation
Losing focus on a stimulus due to repeated exposure.
Rooting Reflex
Rooting Reflex
A reflex where a baby turns its head in the direction of a touch on the cheek.
Sense of Smell (in infants)
Sense of Smell (in infants)
Develops during the 3rd trimester, with preferences for sweet smells.
Taste Preferences (in infants)
Taste Preferences (in infants)
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Auditory Preferences (in infants)
Auditory Preferences (in infants)
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Vision (in infants)
Vision (in infants)
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Intermodal Perception
Intermodal Perception
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Reflexes
Reflexes
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Pre-reaching
Pre-reaching
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Palmer Grasp
Palmer Grasp
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Pincer Grasp
Pincer Grasp
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Proximodistal Trend
Proximodistal Trend
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Gross Motor Skills
Gross Motor Skills
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Cephalocaudal Trend
Cephalocaudal Trend
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Body Growth (Birth to 2 years)
Body Growth (Birth to 2 years)
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Synaptic Pruning
Synaptic Pruning
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Glial Cells
Glial Cells
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Specialization (Brain)
Specialization (Brain)
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Lateralization (Left Hemisphere)
Lateralization (Left Hemisphere)
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Lateralization (Right Hemisphere)
Lateralization (Right Hemisphere)
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Plasticity
Plasticity
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Brain metabolism at age 4
Brain metabolism at age 4
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Circadian Rhythm
Circadian Rhythm
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REM Sleep
REM Sleep
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Study Notes
- William James believed children initially perceive the world as a "blooming buzzing confusion," a notion later proven incorrect
- Habituation studies show that children are ready to take in information and make sense of the world
Touch
- Highly developed at birth
- Rooting reflex: Infants turn their heads in response to touch, facilitating feeding
- Babies are sensitive to temperature changes and experience pain from around 24 weeks gestation
Smell
- Sense of smell develops starting in the 3rd trimester through amniotic fluid
- Infants prefer sweet smells, such as breast milk, and are repulsed by odors like rotten eggs
Taste
- Infants prefer sweet tastes, demonstrated by longer sucking with fewer pauses when ingesting breast milk
- Babies display facial expressions in response to different tastes
- The ability to detect salt develops around 4 months, influencing taste preferences
Hearing
- Sound waves travel through amniotic fluid, influencing auditory development
- Babies prefer their mothers' voices and native languages
- Preference is shown for complex sounds and novel stimuli like voices, songs, and melodies
- Infants can distinguish between sounds in all languages
- Sound localization occurs due to faster sound wave arrival, due to babies' small head size
Vision
- Least developed sense at birth, yet least dependent
- By 6 months, infants' vision approaches that of an adult with uncorrected vision
- Preference is shown for complexity, like patterns, curved lines, and 3D shapes, such as the human face
- REM sleep supports visual development
- Infants have binocular vision at birth, facilitating hand-eye coordination and tracking familiar people
Intermodal Perception
- Stimulation of one sense can stimulate another
- At 1 month, infants track external facial features like the hairline
- By 2 months, they track internal features
Motor Development (Birth to 2 Years)
- Movement around 4-5 years and being taught how to read can be linked
Reflexes
- Inborn, automatic responses to particular stimuli
- Adaptive functions include survival (sucking, swallowing), exploration (grasping, stepping), and protection (sneezing, blinking)
- Lips are most sensitive after birth
- Palms of the hands and soles of the feet are sensitive
- Babies can support their own body weight with their palms
- Reflex assessment indicates the nervous system integrity, using the Apgar Scale
- Reflexes integrate into voluntary movements around 6 months
Volitional Activities
- Sequence is fairly universal
- Rate is quite variable
Fine Motor Skills
- Pre-reaching (newborn): Using their shoulder to reach
- Reach, ulnar grasp (3 months): Bending elbow/wrist, Palmer grasp transitions to ulnar grasp
- Transfer objects (4-5 months): Using fingers to transfer objects between hands
- Pincer grasp (9 months): Using pointer finger and thumb
Gross Motor Skills
- Allow the children loco-mote, move around in the world
- Lift/hold head up (6 weeks)
- Raise up on arm (2 months)
- Roll FB and BF (4 months): FB always comes first; Cephalocaudal Trend
- Sit alone (6 months)
- Crawls (7 months): Legs and knees
- Pull self to stand (8 months)
- Stand alone (12 months)
- Walk unsupported (12+ months)
Motor Development (2-6 Years)
- Age 3: Hop, jump, run; clumsy pincer grasp
- Age 4: More adventurous; better hand-eye coordination
- Age 5: Stunts; accidental injuries; more precise movements
Motor Development (6-12 Years)
- Smoother, more coordinated motor skills develop
- Hands are used as sophisticated tools, for example in calligraphy or playing an instrument
Body Growth Patterns
- Cephalocaudal: Growth occurs from top down
- Proximodistal: Growth occurs from center outward
Body Growth (Birth to 2)
- Most rapid rate of development
- Weight: 7.5-30lbs
- Height: 20-36in
Brain Growth (Birth to 2)
- Brain size is closest to adult size upon birth
- 30% adult weight at birth
- 70% adult weight at 1 year
- 75% adult weight at 2 years
- Infants are born with 100 billion neurons
- Programmed cell death occurs, losing half of neurons during development
- Synaptic formation and synaptic pruning refine neural connections
- Glial cells nourish and protect neurons by producing myelin, which speeds up information transmission
Brain Growth Cerebral Cortex
- Contains neurons with specialized functions
- Lateralization: Functions become localized to one side of the brain
Brain Growth Cerebral Cortex lateralization
- Left hemisphere: comprehensive, analytical, sequential, and recognition functions; processes positive emotions
- Right hemisphere: creative, spatial ability, perception of context functions; processes negative emotions
- Plasticity: Ability of other neurons to take over functions of damaged neurons, decreasing as neurons become more specialized/lateralized
Body Growth (2-6 Years)
- Rate of growth decreases
- Body proportions change: fat decreases, muscle increases
Brain Growth (2-6 Years)
- Reaches 90% adult weight
- Metabolism peaks at age 4
- Synaptic formation occurs in the frontal lobe
- Improved efficiency through synaptic pruning, lateralization, and myelination
Body Growth (6-12 Years)
- Slow and steady growth: 2-3 inches in height, 5-7 lbs per year
- Growth spurts occur toward the end of this period, earlier for girls than boys
Individual and Sex Differences
- Boys tend to be stronger, excelling in speed and force
- Girls' center of gravity is lower, excelling in balance and agility
Brain Growth (6-12 Years)
- Reaches adult weight around 8-9 years old
- Temporal lobe: Houses memory and emotion regulation
- Parietal lobe: Responsible for spatial processing and fine motor skills
- Frontal lobe: Improved attention, decision making, and impulse control
- Corpus callosum: Fibers connect the left and right hemispheres
Improved Efficiency
- Process more information faster
- Synaptic pruning refines neural connections
- Specialization and lateralization enhance brain function
- Myelination completes, accounting for the last 10% of brain weight
- Neurotransmitters: Chemical pathways for neuronal communication, with potential for imbalance
Sleep (Birth-2 Years)
- Newborn: 16-18 hours in spurts, alternating states mediated by hunger and needs
- Infant: More organized sleep patterns
- Circadian rhythm develops at 4 months, influenced by light and dark
- Melatonin production increases at 6 months
- Infants typically take 2 naps daily
- REM Sleep: Irregular heart rate and breathing support eye health
- Dreaming is unlikely
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