Recording-2025-02-03T13_25_03.334Z

Development of the Cerebral Cortex

• The cerebral cortex is responsible for advanced cognitive functions and thinking, developing a few months after birth.

• Initially, infants exhibit reflex actions with limited conscious thought.

  • Common reflex actions:

    • Cheek rubbing elicits sucking response.

    • Tickle to the foot causes toes to curl.

    • Grasping reflex when fingers are placed in an infant's hand.

• Description of Social Smiles:

  • Reflexive smiles seen in infants; babies cannot see clearly in early months.

  • Vision is the last sense to develop, typically by 12 months.

Structure of Neurons

• The brain contains billions of neurons; understanding neuron anatomy is key.

  • Axon: Long tail of the neuron; responsible for transmitting impulses.

  • Dendrites: Extensions off the neuron body; receive signals from other neurons.

• Synapses are formed when axons and dendrites connect, playing a crucial role in learning and memory.

  • Communication across synapses involves electrical signals or energy.

Neural Pathways and Electricity

• Neural pathways are formed through electrical signals passing across synapses, enabling thought and learning.

• Importance of electricity in bodily functions; comparison to concepts in popular media (e.g., The Matrix).

• Brain's function is intricate; the connectivity allows complex thought processes and reaction to stimuli.

  • Example of recognizing and recalling memories related to sensory inputs (e.g., smell of oranges).

  • Instantaneous processing of sensory information highlights brain efficiency.

Synaptogenesis in Infants

• Synaptogenesis refers to the creation of new synapses in the brain, particularly prevalent in the first year of life.

• Babies are constantly learning new things from their environment; their curiosity contributes to brain development.

• Infants often engage with simple stimuli (like wrapping paper) because of their novelty.

Pathway Pruning and Myelination

• By age 3, the brain undergoes prunings, reducing unnecessary pathways developed during early learning stages.

• Myelination refers to the coating of axons with a fatty layer, enhancing the speed of electrical impulses and overall brain function.

  • Full myelination of the visual cortex and other areas occurs by early to mid-twenties.

  • Myelination uses fat (e.g., similar to cooking oils) to ensure rapid conduction of impulses.

Summary and Conclusion

• Overview of the importance of neurons, synapses, and brain development in early childhood.

• Emphasis on how myelination and synaptic connections influence learning and cognitive speed as the brain matures.