Unit 1- Development

the organ in your head made up of nerves that processes information and controls behaviour

the anterior part of the brain, including the hemispheres and the central brain structures

the middle section of the brain forming part of the central nervous system

The lower part of the brain that includes the cerebellum, pons and medulla oblongata

• When the foetus is about 3/4 weeks old, a long tube develops in the brain.

• This is divided from the front into 3 distinct round sections; the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain.

• By 5 weeks old, the forebrain and hindbrain have each split into a further two cavities; a posterior and anterior.

• An area of the brain near to the brainstem that controls motor movements (muscle activity), responses such as fear, and functions such as processing sense information.

• It can be seen in the foetus at about 6 weeks and a year after birth triples in size.

• connects the upper brain to the spinal cord and controls automatic responses, such as sneezing, breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.

• It has formed by the time the foetus is 20 weeks old, and connects the rest of the brain to the spinal cord.

a response to a stimulus that occurs without someone making a conscious choice; they are automatic, such as reflexed

• links formed by messages passing from one nerve cell to another.

• From birth to 3 years old, 700-1000 new connections form every second.

• These connections allow for very fast communication between the many different parts of the brain.

• Early brain connections are reinforced by use.