Human Development and Brain Anatomy

A set of flashcards covering human development factors, brain structure, lobes, and types of trauma.

What are protective factors in human development?

Positive conditions that allow for success despite adversity.

What are risk factors in human development?

Factors that contribute to risk behaviors.

How is a developmental task defined in the notes?

Skills that you learn during development.

What is the role of heredity in human development?

Traits and personality passed down from parents that shape an individual.

How is personality described in the lecture notes?

A combination of behavior, thoughts, and emotions.

How does maturation occur according to the notes?

It just happens as you get older, affecting both physical and psychological aspects (such as the Frontal lobe).

What is the distinction between the mind and the brain?

The mind is a concept, while the brain is tangible.

What are the building blocks of the nervous system and approximately how many are there?

Neurons, with a total of approximately $86\,\text{Billion}$.

What percentage of the brain is the cerebrum, and what are its functions?

It makes up $85\%$ of the brain and is responsible for thinking, memory, and movement.

What are the primary functions of the cerebellum?

Coordination and balance.

What role does the brainstem play in survival?

It connects to the spinal cord and manages breathing, heartbeat, and survival factors.

Which lobe is the last to mature and is responsible for reasoning, planning, and managing emotions?

The Frontal Lobe.

What is the function of the prefrontal cortex?

It helps with self control and decision making.

Which lobe handles touch, sensation, and depth perception?

The Parietal Lobe.

What functions are associated with the Temporal Lobe?

Hearing, interpreting languages, and activating the fight or flight response through the release of cortisol.

What is the role of the Occipital Lobe in processing information?

It is responsible for visual functions such as seeing shapes, movement, recognizing faces and colors, and reading.

What is the primary function of the Amygdala?

It serves as the emotion center.

What are the functions of the Hippocampus?

Storing memory and spatial navigation.

Which sense is the exception to the rule that the Thalamus receives and sends almost all sensory information?

Smell.

What is the function of the Hypothalamus?

It acts as the homeostasis center.

How is homeostasis defined?

The body's state of balance.

How does stress affect homeostasis?

Stress causes tension and moves the body away from homeostasis.

What is the definition of trauma according to the notes?

A deep emotional response to an event that makes it hard to cope.

Contrast Acute, Chronic, and Complex trauma.

Acute trauma is a single accident; Chronic trauma results from repeating stressful situations; Complex trauma involves multiple invasive factors in one event.

What is neuroplasticity?

The ability of the brain to form new connections, adapt, and heal.