3.2 Neurobiology and Brain Development

Neurobiology and brain development are crucial for understanding human behavior. The brain's complex structures and functions, from the cerebrum to neurons, shape our thoughts, movements, and emotions. Key milestones in brain development, from prenatal stages to adolescence, lay the foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

The brain's incredible plasticity allows for continuous adaptation and learning. Environmental factors like nutrition, stress, and enriched experiences significantly impact brain development. Understanding these processes helps us grasp how early experiences shape behavior and why supporting healthy brain development is vital for overall well-being.

Neurobiology and Brain Development

Structures and functions of brain

Top images from around the web for Structures and functions of brain

• 

  The Central Nervous System | Anatomy and Physiology I View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Structure and Function of the Brain | Boundless Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The four major regions of the brain | Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab (BSB 141) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Central Nervous System | Anatomy and Physiology I View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Structure and Function of the Brain | Boundless Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Structures and functions of brain

• 

  The Central Nervous System | Anatomy and Physiology I View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Structure and Function of the Brain | Boundless Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The four major regions of the brain | Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab (BSB 141) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Central Nervous System | Anatomy and Physiology I View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Structure and Function of the Brain | Boundless Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Central Nervous System (CNS)
  • Brain
    • Cerebrum processes conscious thought, sensory information, and controls voluntary movement (walking, writing)
    • Cerebellum coordinates balance and fine motor control (playing an instrument, threading a needle)
    • Brainstem regulates vital functions like breathing and heart rate and relays information between the brain and spinal cord
  • Spinal Cord transmits signals between the brain and body and controls reflexes (knee-jerk reflex)
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
  • Somatic Nervous System provides voluntary control of skeletal muscles (moving your arm to reach for an object)
  • Autonomic Nervous System involuntarily controls internal organs and glands
    • Sympathetic activates the "fight or flight" response (increased heart rate during stress)
    • Parasympathetic promotes "rest and digest" functions (slowing heart rate during relaxation)
• Neurons are specialized cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals
  • Dendrites receive signals from other neurons
  • Axon transmits signals to other neurons or target cells (muscles, glands)
  • Synapse is the junction between neurons where neurotransmitters are released (serotonin, dopamine)

Brain development milestones

• Prenatal Development
  1. Neural tube formation (3-4 weeks) lays the foundation for the brain and spinal cord
  2. Rapid neuron production (2-4 months) involves the proliferation and migration of neurons
  3. Synaptogenesis (3rd trimester) marks the formation of synaptic connections between neurons
• Infancy (0-2 years)
  • Rapid brain growth occurs, with the brain doubling in size during the first year
  • Myelination insulates axons for faster signal transmission
  • Sensorimotor development allows infants to explore and learn through their senses and movement (grasping objects, crawling)
• Early Childhood (2-6 years)
  • Continued synaptogenesis and myelination support brain development
  • Language development leads to a rapid expansion of vocabulary and grammar (learning new words, forming sentences)
  • Emergence of executive functions like planning, inhibition, and working memory (following multi-step instructions, controlling impulses)
• Middle Childhood (6-12 years)
  • Refinement of neural connections occurs through pruning of unused synapses
  • Improved cognitive abilities in attention, memory, and problem-solving (focusing on tasks, remembering information)
• Adolescence (12-18 years)
  • Maturation of the prefrontal cortex enhances decision-making and impulse control
  • Increased emotional reactivity leads to heightened sensitivity to rewards and social cues (peer influence)
  • Synaptic pruning and myelination continue into early adulthood, supporting cognitive development

Neuroplasticity for learning

• Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and reorganize in response to experiences
  • Structural plasticity involves changes in neural connections and brain structure (formation of new synapses)
  • Functional plasticity refers to changes in the activation patterns of neural networks (altered brain activity during tasks)
• Experience-dependent plasticity results from specific experiences
  • Learning involves the acquisition of new knowledge and skills through repeated practice (learning to play chess)
  • Memory formation strengthens neural connections associated with experiences (remembering a childhood event)
• Critical periods are windows of heightened plasticity during development
  • Sensory systems like vision and hearing require early exposure for proper development (visual acuity, language sounds)
  • Language acquisition is more sensitive to language input during early childhood (learning native language pronunciation)
• Lifelong plasticity allows for learning and adaptation throughout adulthood
  • Skill acquisition enables learning new skills at any age (learning a new language, playing an instrument)
  • Cognitive reserve builds resilience against age-related cognitive decline through mental stimulation (puzzles, reading)

Environmental impacts on brain

• Nutrition
  • Prenatal nutrition requires adequate intake of essential nutrients for proper neural tube development (folate, iron)
  • Malnutrition can impair brain growth and cognitive development (stunted growth, delayed milestones)
  • Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and supports cognitive and emotional development
• Stress
  • Toxic stress involves prolonged exposure to adverse experiences without adequate support (neglect, abuse)
    • Impairs the development of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (emotional regulation, memory)
    • Increases the risk of emotional and behavioral problems (anxiety, aggression)
  • Positive stress includes moderate, short-lived stress with adequate support (starting a new school)
    • Promotes resilience and adaptive coping skills (problem-solving, seeking support)
  • Sensitive periods involve heightened vulnerability to stress during rapid brain development (prenatal, early childhood)
• Enriched environments
  • Stimulating experiences involve complex sensory, motor, and cognitive activities (puzzles, music lessons)
    • Enhance synaptogenesis and neuronal connectivity (increased brain volume)
    • Improve learning, memory, and problem-solving abilities (academic achievement)
  • Social interaction through positive relationships and secure attachments (parent-child bonding)
    • Fosters emotional regulation and social competence (empathy, cooperation)
    • Buffers against the negative effects of stress (resilience, coping skills)