MODULE 1B 2.pdf

In this animation, neurotransmitters look like red balls of light. Neurotransmitters allow an impulse to cross from the axon of one neuron, cross the synapse, and onto a receiving dendrite on another neuron. To create a more efficient and rapidly working brain, some of the newly formed synapses a...

In this animation, neurotransmitters look like red balls of light. Neurotransmitters allow an impulse to cross from the axon of one neuron, cross the synapse, and onto a receiving dendrite on another neuron. To create a more efficient and rapidly working brain, some of the newly formed synapses are eventually removed. Synaptic pruning occurs during the fetal period, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. To create a more efficient and rapidly working brain, some of the newly formed synapses are eventually removed. Synaptic pruning occurs during the fetal period, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. It's believed that pruning is a way in which the brain becomes customized to an individual's nervous system as a response to that individual's unique experiences.  The Fetus by 12 weeks after gestation, most movements present at birth will appear Active contributor to its own development ◦Fetus experiences tactile stimulation, tastes and smells amniotic fluid ◦Responds to sounds from 6th months Fetal learning ◦At 32 weeks, the fetus can habituate (become accustomed) At the fetus stage, the fetus is active The fetus can respond to stimuli and can even habituate to continued stimulation. If you can habituate to a stimulus, that means you have LEARNED that the stimulus exists and no longer need to pay attention to it because it is no longer "interesting."  6 months Problems in Prenatal Development miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) Maternal factors ◦Age, nutrition, disease, and stress-level of the mother Teratogens ◦Environmental agents that have the potential to cause harm during prenatal development ◦Sensitive period ◦Sleeper effects ◦Teratogens are especially problematic in prenatal development. Teratogens They include legal and legal substances  teratogens do the most damage to a body part/organ when that body part/ organ is developing Sensitive periods (teratogens do the most damage to a body part/organ when that body part/organ is developing) The chart below shows when organs are developing l The Birth Experience Around 38 weeks, contractions of the muscles begin, initiating birth Many aspects of the birth experience (such as squeezing in the birth canal) have adaptive value  Typically, at 38 weeks the birth process begins, although a baby could be delivered as early as 24 weeks (the age of viability). To promote the birthing process, a woman's body engages in adaptive behaviors and oxytocin is also released Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter and is called the "love hormone" because it promotes bonding. (oxytocin bonding) This relates to the nature/nurture theme However, most people don't know that your body also produces this oxytocin hormone to help you fall in love. So nature also plays a role in the birthing/ bonding process. Postpartum depression Sleep, Crying and Exploration sleep ◦Newborns sleep twice as much as adults ◦50% of time in REM, declines rapidly to 20% by 3-4 years Crying ◦At first, crying reflects discomfort/ frustration ◦It goes from being a reflexive act to being one in which the baby tries to communicate ◦Colic ->severe pain in the abdomen caused by intestinal gas or obstruction in the intensities exploration ◦Newborns explore their worlds ◦Can imitate others after birth