Early Brain Development

• Buliding neural connections from birth
• Arterior


  The front, when used in biology
• Brain


  The organ in your head made up of nerves that processes information and controls behaviour
• Forebrain


  • The anterior part of the brain, including the hemispheres and the central brain structures
• Midbrain


  • The middle section of the brain forming part of the central nervous system
• Hindbrain


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


  Directed towards the front, when used in relation to our biology
• Posterior


  Directed towards the back, when used in relation to our biology
• Cerebellum


  • An area of the brain near to the brainstem that controls motor movements (muscle activity)
• Medulla oblongata


  • Connects the upper brain to the spinal cord and controls automatic responses
• Involuntary response


  A response to a stimulus that occurs without someone making a conscious choice. They are automatic, such as reflexes
• Neural connections


  Links formed by messages passing from one nerve cell (neuron) to another
• Neural connections are reinforced by use, so it is important that babies get plenty of stimulation
• Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the nervous system.
• Thalamus


  Relay station for sensory information; receives information from the senses (except for smell) and sends it to the appropriate part of the cerebrum for processing
• Hypothalamus


  Small structure located below the thalamus that regulates homeostasis in the body, including hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sleep
• Cerebrum


  Largest part of the forebrain responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, learning, and memory
• The spinal cord connects the brain to the rest of the body's nerves and carries messages between them.
• The brain is the control centre of the nervous system, responsible for processing information from sensory receptors and controlling bodily functions.
• The midbrain plays a role in vision and hearing.
• The brain has three main parts: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain.