Early brain development

• What part of the brain is highly developed at birth?

  Brain stem
• What is the primary function of the brain stem?

  Connects brain to spinal cord and controls autonomic functions
• What does the brain stem carry to the brain?

  Motor and sensory nerves
• When does the cerebellum mature in development?

  Late in development
• Where is the cerebellum located?

  Near the top of the spinal cord
• What is the main role of the cerebellum?

  Coordination of movement and sensory information
• Where is the thalamus located?

  Deep inside the brain in each hemisphere
• What is the function of the thalamus?

  Acts as a hub for receiving and sending signals
• What is the cortex also known as?

  Cerebral cortex
• What is the structure of the cortex?

  Thin, highly folded, and covers the brain
• How is the cortex divided?

  Into two hemispheres and several regions
• What are the functions of the frontal cortex?

  Thinking
• What are the functions of the visual and auditory cortex?

  Sight and hearing
• What is the function of the motor cortex?

  Movement
• How does the cortex develop from birth?

  It is basic at birth and develops through life
• What does 'nature' refer to in development?

  Influence of inherited traits
• What does 'nurture' refer to in development?

  Influence of the environment
• How can smoking during pregnancy affect babies?

  Can lead to smaller babies with smaller brains
• What effect can German measles have on babies?

  Can cause brain damage, such as hearing loss
• How do babies learn to recognize their mother's voice?

  By responding to book passages read in womb
• How do nature and nurture interact in brain development?

  Both influence brain formation from the womb
• What are the key components of early brain development?

  • Brain stem: connects brain to spinal cord, controls autonomic functions
  • Cerebellum: matures late, coordinates movement and sensory info
  • Thalamus: hub for receiving and sending signals
  • Cortex: thin, folded, develops through life
• What are the effects of environmental factors on brain development?

  • Smoking: smaller babies with smaller brains
  • Infection: German measles can cause brain damage
  • Voices: babies recognize mother's voice from womb