Brain Development

What skills areas appear in the extended periods of brain development?

1. Awareness/ regulation of emotions 2. Higher order thinking 3. Planning, control of impulses

What are the general components of a neuron?

1. Dendrites 2. Cell body 3. Axon 4. Glia

What is the development of the cerebral cortex?

1. Largest area of the human brain 2. Judgment is last to develop 3. Development starts at the back of the brain to the front 4. Different parts develop at different rates

What is synaptic pruning?

Connections that aren't used are destroyed in order to strengthen the existing synapses

What is overproduction?

During 10-18 weeks of gestation there is an overproduction of neurons/synapses

What are excitatory neurotransmitters?

Encourages messages to be sent between neurons

What are inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Prevents/discourages messages to be sent between neurons

What is myelination?

Produces the Myelin sheath

What are neurotransmitters?

chemicals that transmit messages between neurons (levels need to be "just right")

What is a Experience-dependent neural connection?

experience creates new synaptic connections

What is an Experience-expectant neural connection?

experience strengthens existing synaptic connections

What skill areas appear in the sensitive period of brain development?

senses and language

What is a synapse?

space between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another (they do not touch)

What is Myelin?

waxy, insulating material created by the glia