- Neurons
- Synapse
- Glial Cells
- myelination
- neural migration
- Synaptogenesis - the formation of synaptic connections among neurons
- synaptic pruning
- neuronal death
Brain stem and mid-brain
- most highly developed at birth
- controls states of consciousness, inborn reflexes, basis biological
functions (digestion, respiration, circulation)
Cerebrum and Cerebral Cortex
- first to develop is primary motor and primary sensory cortex
- Lateralization
-corpus callosum
-left hemisphere associated with language, decision
making, positive emotions
-right hemisphere associated with visual-spatial
information, tactile information, negative emotions, music
- brain growth spurt during 1st year (25% at birth to 75% at age 2)
- neurons that successfully make interconnections survive, those that
don't die
- plasticity
- Role of Experience
Motor Development
Locomotion- 3 phases/transitions
1) Reflexive stepping motion (birth to around 2 months)
2) Re-emergence of stepping motion (around 6 months)
3) Walking without support (around 1 year)
Dynamic systems approach -
A number of systems (emotional, perceptual, attentional, motivational,
postural, and anatomical) must work together for the development of s skill
such as walking. If a child is lacking in one or more of the systems, then
the skill will not develop.
Adolescent
- Growth Spurt - changes in height and weight
- eating disorders and obesity
- obesity
- bulimia
- anorexia
- sexual maturation
- timing of puberty
- primary and secondary sex characteristics
- early maturation boys - more popular, more attractive,
- higher expectations
girls - less prepared for changes, poor body image,
- more adjustment and behavioral problems
- late maturation boys - less relaxed, engage in more attention seeking
behavior
- lower aspirations and expectations for education
girls - more positive self image