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What are synapses, and what is the role they play in brain development?
What are synapses, and what is the role they play in brain development?
Synapses are connections between neurons that allow information to pass from one neuron to another. They help in building synaptic connections in the brain during development.
What happens to synapses that are not used in the brain development process?
What happens to synapses that are not used in the brain development process?
During 'pruning', synapses that are used are weakened.
During 'pruning', synapses that are used are weakened.
False
The brain is genetically predisposed to expect certain experiences, leading to __________ periods of brain development.
The brain is genetically predisposed to expect certain experiences, leading to __________ periods of brain development.
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Match the brain motor control systems with their functions:
Match the brain motor control systems with their functions:
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What is the role of the Cerebellum in motor control systems?
What is the role of the Cerebellum in motor control systems?
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Which part of the brain controls movement of the left side of the body?
Which part of the brain controls movement of the left side of the body?
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Which symptom is NOT associated with Parkinson's disease?
Which symptom is NOT associated with Parkinson's disease?
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There were effective treatments for Parkinson's disease before the 1960s.
There were effective treatments for Parkinson's disease before the 1960s.
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What is the main function of the Sensory System in the nervous system?
What is the main function of the Sensory System in the nervous system?
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What is the role of the Retina in the visual sense?
What is the role of the Retina in the visual sense?
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Study Notes
Brain Development
- Babies are born with millions of neurons, which are connected by synapses that allow information to pass from one neuron to another.
- From birth onwards, experiences and interactions help to build synaptic connections.
- By the age of two, a child's brain has developed more synapses than are needed, and the ones that are used are strengthened, while those that are not used are discarded – 'use it or lose it' (pruning).
Sensitive and Critical Periods
- The brain is genetically predisposed to expect certain experiences, and the more a child is exposed to these experiences, the stronger the connections.
- 'Sensitive periods' are when brain development is more strongly affected by experiences.
- A 'critical period' refers to the irreversible impact of experience on development, although the brain retains remarkable plasticity.
The Brain and Maltreatment
- Infants need a relationship with a consistent, emotionally available caregiver to develop normally.
- The presence or absence of sensitive care has an impact on the infant's stress response and brain development.
- The majority of changes to the brain following abuse and neglect are adaptations to adverse environments rather than irreparable damage.
Nervous System Organization
- Motor control systems in the cortex include primary motor cortex, supplementary motor cortex, and premotor cortex, which are responsible for different aspects of movement control.
- The cerebellum controls neural 'programs' for the execution of skilled movements.
- Basal ganglia modulate patterns of motor activity.
Motor Control Systems Outside the Cortex
- The flow of information from the motor cortex goes to the spinal cord and to the muscles through corticospinal tracts.
- Spinal cord consists of gray matter and white matter, with gray matter containing motor neurons and posterior horn containing sensory neurons.
- Spinal reflexes, such as the knee stretch reflex, are mediated at the level of the spinal cord and do not require cortical input.
The Homunculus
- The homunculus shows how our body is represented within our brain, with the part of the brain that makes us move being our motor cortex.
Motor Disorders
- Stroke and hemiplegia can affect motor control.
- Parkinson's disease is characterized by resting tremor, muscle rigidity, akinesia, and altered cognitive function, depression, and/or dementia.
- Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to a depletion of striatal dopamine.
Neuropathology of Parkinson's Disease
- The nigro-striatal pathway degenerates, leading to a depletion of striatal dopamine.
- Other dopamine pathways also degenerate.
Parkinson's Disease Treatment
- Dopamine precursor, L-DOPA, can enter the brain and be converted into dopamine.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment that can help alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
The Sensory System
- The sensory system consists of sensory receptors, neural pathways, and parts of the brain that process information.
- The visual sense involves light entering the eye through the pupil, being focused by the lens, and detected by photoreceptors in the retina.
- The retina contains rods and cones, which are sensitive to different light conditions.
The Retina
- Rods are very sensitive to light and enable us to see at night.
- Cones are specialized for bright light conditions and enable us to see close and fine detail.
How Does Information from Your Eye Get to Your Brain?
- Information from the eye travels through the optic nerve to the brain, where it is processed in the visual cortex.
How Do We Hear?
- The anatomy of audition involves the ear, cochlea, and auditory nerve.
How Do We Sense Touch?
- Touch is sensed through the somatosensory cortex, which has a homunculus that represents the body.
- The spinal cord and spinal nerves are involved in transmitting touch information to the brain.
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Description
This quiz covers the development of the brain from birth to age two, including the formation and strengthening of synaptic connections. Learn how experiences and interactions shape the brain's growth.
