Human Brain Development and Plasticity

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on the human brain development lecture, covering key concepts and terminology.

Neurobiology

The branch of biology that deals with the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system.

Neurons

The basic working unit of the brain, a specialized cell designed to transmit information throughout the body.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Synaptogenesis

The process by which neurons form synapses with other neurons.

Cerebellum

A brain region that helps with motor skills and movements.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist neurons.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around a nerve to allow electrical impulses to transmit quickly.

Synaptic Pruning

The process of eliminating excess synapses to increase the efficiency of neural networks.

Critical Periods

Developmental windows during which the brain is particularly receptive to specific types of stimuli.

Experience-Expectant Plasticity

Neural changes that occur in response to commonly encountered environmental stimuli.

Experience-Dependent Plasticity

Changes in the brain's structure and function due to unique individual experiences throughout life.

Adolescence

The transitional stage of development between childhood and adulthood, characterized by significant biological, psychological, and social changes.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of neurons that receive messages from other neurons.

Axons

Long, slender projections of neurons that transmit impulses away from the cell body.

Cerebral Cortex

The outermost layer of the brain, responsible for complex functions such as reasoning and abstract thinking.

Longitudinal Studies

Research studies that collect data from the same subjects repeatedly over an extended period.

Frontal Lobes

Brain regions associated with higher cognitive functions such as planning, decision-making, and social behavior.

Gray Matter

Regions of the brain containing neuronal cell bodies.

White Matter

Regions of the brain containing myelinated axons that facilitate communication among different brain regions.

Corpus Callosum

A large bundle of myelinated fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Sensory Inputs

Information received through the senses that influences neural connections.

Behavioral Adaptations

Changes in behaviors that improve an individual's chances of survival and reproduction.

Motor Skills

The abilities required to coordinate physical movements.

Learning Disorders

Conditions that affect the ability to acquire and use academic skills.

Risk Taking

The tendency to engage in behaviors that can lead to negative consequences.

Addiction

A chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use.

Binge Drinking

The consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period.

Executive Functioning

Cognitive processes that control behaviors, including working memory and impulse control.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

A technique that measures and maps brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)

An MRI-based neuroimaging technique that measures the diffusion of water in biological tissues.

Neural Circuits

Networks of neurons that work together to carry out specific functions.

Developmental Neurobiology

The study of the development of the nervous system.

Susceptibility to Disorders

The likelihood of developing certain conditions based on genetic and environmental factors.

Adaptive Networks

Complex interconnections between neurons that facilitate learning and memory.

Motor Skills Development

The process of acquiring the ability to perform tasks that require coordination and movement.

Neuronal Cell Death

The process by which neurons lose their function and eventually die, often as part of normal development.

Brain Volume Increase

The growth of brain size as a result of cell proliferation and synaptic connections.

Oligodendrocytes

Cells that produce myelin in the central nervous system.

Attention Span

The length of time a person can concentrate on a task without becoming distracted.

Learning Capacity

The potential to acquire new knowledge and skills.

Environmental Influences

External factors that can impact brain development and function.

Neuronal Connections

The links between neurons formed through synapses.

Brain Maturation

The process by which the brain reaches full structural and functional development.

Infancy

The stage of life from birth to one year, marked by rapid brain growth and development.

Childhood

The stage of life from about one year to adolescence, characterized by continued brain development.

Brain Injury Regeneration

The process by which the brain attempts to repair itself after damage.

Psychosocial Development

The changes in personal, social, and emotional skills as one grows older.

Learning Experiences

Events or situations that contribute to the development of skills and knowledge.

Neuronal Pathways

Connections between neurons that are essential for communication in the brain.

Speech Development

The process by which infants and children learn to communicate verbally.

Multilingual Learning

The ability to learn and use multiple languages.

Synaptic Density

The number of synapses in a given area of the brain, an indicator of brain development.

Brain Disorders

Conditions that affect the normal functioning of the brain.

Critical Period Learning

The heightened ability to learn skills during specific developmental windows.

Myelin Sheath

A protective covering that surrounds axons to facilitate the speed of neural transmission.

Developmental Stages

Distinct phases during which certain capabilities are acquired.

Neural Circuit Development

The formation and maturation of networks of interconnected neurons.

Infantity Development

The critical growing phase of a human's first year of life during which extensive neural development occurs.

Attention and Memory

Cognitive processes essential for learning, enabling focus on tasks and recall of information.

Absence of Stimulation

Lack of environmental input that can hinder brain development.

Verbal Communication

The ability to express oneself using spoken language.

Adaptive Behavior

Behavior that is suitable to the demands of the environment and contributes to survival.

Developmental Disorders

Disruptions in the expected patterns of development in children, affecting cognitive, emotional, or physical growth.

Maturation Processes

The biological changes that occur as an individual transitions from infancy to adulthood.

Higher Cognitive Functions

Advanced mental activities such as reasoning, problem-solving, and abstract thinking.

Research Implications

The potential consequences and applications of findings in studies on brain development.

Genetic Factors

Inherited biological influences that can affect brain development and function.

Envioronmental Interactions

The reciprocal effect of the environment and the organism on each other during development.

Adult Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change throughout life, allowing for learning and adaptation.

Learning Opportunities

Circumstances that allow individuals to gain new knowledge and skills.

Brain Connectivity

The interconnections and communication pathways between different regions of the brain.

Sensitivity to Environments

The responsiveness of developing brains to various surroundings, influencing growth.

Neuroimaging Techniques

Methods used to visualize and measure activities in the brain.

Emotional Regulation

The ability to monitor and manage emotional responses to stimuli.

Complex Learning Tasks

Challenging activities that require higher-level thinking and processing.

Neural Growth Factors

Biochemical substances that promote the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons.