The developing brain

innate and dynamic processesallow the brain to refine itselfallows specialisation for demands of specific environment

predetermined timeline of potential for natural developmentdevelopment still relies on environmental stimulus

infancy: <2childhood: 2-12adolescence: 12-18

ability of the brain to change structure and relocate functions to different areas occurs at the synaptic connections of the brain+adaptive+developmental

3rd week of gestationas embryo develops: hind/mid/forebrain begin to develop

1.

cell production(proliferation: divide + multiply rapidly)2. cell migration(cells move to final location, determining their purpose)3. cell elaboration(growth, links, connections: SYNAPTOGENESIS)

forming of synapses so transmission of info can occur occurs ALL through life

white fatty substance that coats axons of neutronsincreases speed of transmission

speeds transition of info (electrical pulses in neurons)myelinated neurons (white matter) transmit messages between brain regions(myelination = cognitive function)

occurs during foetal development,evidence suggests it continues into adolescence

before birth: cerebellum and brain stem6 months: visual pathways& Cortices before association areas

synapses get stronger due to increased sensory info, repeated exposure to stimuliincreases brain connectivity(repetition = strength)

non-used neurons become weak and die, to remove clutter and make room for new, more relevant growth"survival of the fittest neurons"similar to getting a hair cut to stimulate healthy growth

more brain areas/resources devoted to important networks brain can develop in depth, efficient, complex systemsbrain is more flexible for new learning/growth

developmental plasticity in infantsinfant brain = many excess neuronsthis is to help absorb all environmental stimuli & develop skillstherefore infant brain has heightened plasticity, adaptable, ease of learning, recovers quickly

one of the last parts of the brain to become myelinated still developing into early adulthoodcontrols: impulse control, decisions, risk-assessment, emotional control (explains adolescent risky behviour)

myelination still occurring,not as developed as adult brainnew experiences = new environmental stimulitherefore, synaptopgenesis

synaptic growth spurt (7-11)selective specialisation occurs during adolescence synaptic pruning of 40% non-essential synaptic connectionsallows progressive, logical, abstract thinking (adult brain and behaviour)

ability of the brain to change structure and relocate functions to different areas occurs at the synaptic connections of the brain+adaptive+developmental

unused = removedneeded = strengthened

beginning of lifein case of brain injurythroughout life, when learning new skill

changes in brain neurons and synaptic connections that occur as a specific consequence of developmental processes

all through lifebrain reorganises structure according to stimulus

brain reorganises itself to maximise remaining functions and compensate for lost functions