Neuroscience Chapter on Brain Development

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of brain development after birth?

Rapid increase in the size of the brain.
Development of the prefrontal cortex.
Neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelination and dendritic branching. (correct)
Formation of new brain cells.

Which brain region experiences synaptogenesis up to the second year of life?

Primary visual cortex
Prefrontal cortex (correct)
Primary auditory cortex
Motor cortex

Myelination of which area of the brain continues into adolescence?

Visual cortex
Sensory areas
Motor areas
Prefrontal cortex (correct)

Why is the development of the prefrontal cortex considered relatively slow?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which executive function is NOT directly linked to the development of the prefrontal cortex?

Sensory perception (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between dendritic branching and migration of neurons?

The pattern of dendritic branching parallels the pattern of neuronal migration. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between pruning and synaptic development?

Pruning occurs after synaptogenesis. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a stage of postnatal brain development?

Hippocampal pruning (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential function of neurogenesis in adults?

Pattern completion (retrieval of complete memories) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an EXTRINSIC factor that promotes adult neurogenesis?

Environmental enrichment (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary evidence for cortical reorganization in London taxi drivers?

Enlarged hippocampus. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of experience-induced cortical reorganization?

Increased production of neurotrophins in the hippocampus. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cortical reorganization, what does the term "invasion" refer to?

The encroachment of adjacent brain regions into an area that has lost function. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why the human brain benefits from high dendritic and synaptic remodeling in adolescence?

To enhance plasticity and flexibility during a crucial developmental period (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did the discovery of adult neurogenesis change in our understanding of the brain?

It challenged the previously held belief that neurons are only generated during embryonic development (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary region of adult neurogenesis?

Amygdala (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of glial cells in the process of neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb?

Glial cells guide neuroblasts from the subventricular zone to the olfactory bulb (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of new granule cells in the dentate gyrus?

They may be involved in learning and memory (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of programmed cell death that affects most new neurons in the dentate gyrus?

Apoptosis (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can increase the rate of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus?

Environmental enrichment and exercise (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors contributes to neuroplasticity in adults?

Neurogenesis and experience-induced cortical reorganization (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of astrocytes on the speed of axonal transmission?

Astrocytes indirectly influence the speed of axonal transmission by regulating the thickness and width of the myelin sheath and nodes of Ranvier. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of 'brain training' for healthy adults?

Possible enhancement of working memory and long-term memory, specifically in task-specific situations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of glia?

Directly initiating action potentials in neurons. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the evidence for the effectiveness of 'brain training' in recovering from brain damage?

There is limited evidence supporting the use of brain training for recovering from brain damage, requiring further research. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in influencing transmission speed?

Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes collaborate in regulating transmission speed by modulating the myelin sheath and nodes of Ranvier. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of astrocytes in the nervous system?

Astrocytes provide structural support and modulate neuronal activity, contributing to the overall function of the nervous system. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do astrocytes contribute to the coordination of neuronal firing?

Astrocytes indirectly influence neuronal firing by regulating the speed of axonal transmission. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes adolescent behavior in terms of risk assessment?

Adolescents value rewards more than adults in decision-making. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which change occurs in the brain during adolescence regarding gray matter?

Overall thinning of the cortex. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant neurobiological change during adolescence?

Enhanced sensitivity to dopamine and oxytocin. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do adolescents commonly react to peer influence?

They seek peer approval and enhance social bonds. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the developmental process during adolescence?

A gradual process of adaptive changes and new learning. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'neuronal gawkiness' refer to in adolescents?

A phase of physical awkwardness due to brain development. (A) Signup and view all the answers

During adolescence, which area of the brain shows progressive thickening?

Corpus callosum. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects Erik Erikson's view on adolescence?

It is an essential time of identity crises. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of 'perseveration' in the context of cognitive development?

The tendency to repeat a previously successful behavior even when it is no longer appropriate. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'A-not-B' error observed in infants?

It suggests that infants lack the cognitive capacity to inhibit inappropriate responses. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, what does it mean when a patient with frontal lobe damage continues to sort cards according to an old rule despite a change in the sorting criteria?

The patient is unable to adjust their behavior to the changing context. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key concept behind the "Use it or lose it" principle in neurodevelopment?

Unutilized neural pathways and synapses eventually disappear, leading to a reduction in brain function. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Diamond and Goldman-Rakic's study with infant and adult rhesus macaques?

It demonstrated that the development of the frontal lobe is critical for cognitive flexibility. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of experience is characterized by the provision of specific instructions or guidance for a particular skill or behavior?

Instructive experience (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a critical period in neurodevelopment?

The brain is most susceptible to environmental influences during this time. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a study that investigates the impact of early sensory deprivation on brain development?

Analyzing the brain structure of animals reared in the dark. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is perseveration, as described in the context of cognitive development?

The tendency to repeat a previously learned response, even when it is no longer appropriate (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary error observed in Piaget's "A not B" task, and what does it suggest about infant cognitive development?

Infants demonstrate an inability to inhibit a previously learned response, suggesting limitations in cognitive flexibility (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Diamond and Goldman-Rakic's study with infant and adult rhesus macaques in relation to perseverative errors?

It demonstrated that infant monkeys exhibit perseveration, suggesting a developing prefrontal cortex (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test considered a valuable tool for assessing frontal lobe function?

It assesses the ability to learn and adapt to changing rules, which is a function of the frontal lobe (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary implication of the "Use it or lose it" principle in neurodevelopment?

Unused neural pathways are pruned, emphasizing the importance of early stimulation (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a critical period in neurodevelopment?

A time window during which specific experiences have a profound and lasting impact on neural development (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios is an example of an instructive experience?

A child being taught specific skills through structured lessons, such as reading or math (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a study investigating the impact of early sensory deprivation on brain development?

Raising animals in a dark environment and comparing their visual cortex to those raised in normal lighting (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is most likely to be considered an EXTRINSIC factor that promotes adult neurogenesis?

Environmental enrichment (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of experience-induced cortical reorganization, what does the term "invasion" refer to?

The expansion of one sensory map into another sensory map (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary example of direct evidence for cortical reorganization as described in the text?

Phantom limb sensations in amputees (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be considered a potential use for understanding cortical reorganization?

Developing therapies for phantom limb pain (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which developmental event peaks after birth in most brain areas, contributing significantly to the brain's ability to process information?

Synaptogenesis (A) Signup and view all the answers

While many brain regions undergo significant development in the first few months of life, which area continues to develop into adolescence, contributing to advanced cognitive functions?

Prefrontal cortex (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of brain development involves the elimination of unnecessary synapses, refining the neural connections and improving brain efficiency?

Regressive changes (pruning) (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the prefrontal cortex in relation to executive functions?

Regulating emotions and controlling impulses (D) Signup and view all the answers

Apart from synaptogenesis, myelination, and dendritic branching, which other process contributes to brain development in the postnatal stage?

Neurogenesis (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the prefrontal cortex's development?

It is closely linked to the development of sensory processing abilities. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between myelination and functional development?

Myelination and functional development occur simultaneously, with a close correlation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key developmental event that contributes to the postnatal development of the CNS?

Hematopoiesis (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of adolescent behavior in terms of risk assessment?

Adolescents value potential rewards more highly than potential risks. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the developmental process during adolescence?

A gradual but significant remodeling of brain structure and function. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant neurobiological change occurring during adolescence?

Increased sensitivity to oxytocin, contributing to heightened empathy and social bonding. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which brain region experiences a progressive thickening during adolescence?

The corpus callosum, connecting the two hemispheres of the brain. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the gradual thinning of the cortex that occurs during adolescence?

Synaptic pruning. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main evidence that challenges the idea that all neurons are produced during embryogenesis?

The discovery of neurogenesis in adult songbirds by Fernando Nottebohm in 1983. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of neural stem cells in the subventricular zone?

To produce new stem cells and neuroblasts, which migrate to the olfactory bulb and differentiate into interneurons. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of new granule cells produced in the dentate gyrus?

To contribute to learning and memory. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these processes is NOT a characteristic of adult neuroplasticity?

Increased myelination throughout the brain. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of glial cells in the migration of neuroblasts to the olfactory bulb?

Acting as guides and scaffolding for the migrating cells. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the high degree of dendritic and synaptic remodeling in adolescence?

It enhances the brain's ability to adapt and learn in response to new experiences. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements accurately describes the results of Antonini and Stryker's (1993) experiment involving blindfolding ferrets?

Blindfolding both eyes of a ferret led to accelerated cortical degeneration compared to blindfolding one eye. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the study by Roe et al. (1993), what was the surprising finding regarding retinal ganglion axons in ferrets?

Retinal ganglion axons were found to connect to the medial geniculate nucleus, which is typically associated with auditory processing. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the loss of most new neurons produced in the dentate gyrus?

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the major finding of the study by Knudsen & Knudsen (1990) on barn owls raised with displacing prisms?

The barn owls developed a spatial shift in both their visual and auditory cortices, suggesting a close link between these sensory systems. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a possible mechanism by which experience influences neurodevelopment?

Direct regulation of the size and shape of neurons through specific molecular pathways, independent of experience. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary implication of the increasing axonal myelination that occurs during adolescence?

It leads to an increase in the speed and efficiency of information transmission within the brain. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements BEST describes the key characteristic of adolescent behavior in relation to risk assessment?

Adolescents exhibit an increased tendency for novelty-seeking and risk-taking behaviors. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, what is the main neurobiological change that occurs during adolescence?

A significant increase in white matter volume due to the myelination of axons. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of adolescent behavior, what is the significance of the statement "Impulsivity? Not entirely (Dobbs, 2011; Romer et al., 2017)"?

It suggests that impulsivity in adolescence is not solely driven by brain development, but may also be influenced by other factors. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Error Perseveration

Failure to inhibit original learned response that becomes inappropriate.

A not B Error

A cognitive error where infants search for an object in the location it's expected rather than where it was last hidden.