Early Brain Development (AQA GCSE Psychology): Flashcards
Exam code: 8182
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What is the brain stem?
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Cards in this collection (25)
What is the brain stem?
The brain stem is the structure that connects the brain to the spinal cord and the cerebellum.
Name three key functions of the brain stem.
Consciousness, breathing, blood pressure, sleep and heart rate.
True or False?
The functions controlled by the brain stem are voluntary.
False.
They are involuntary functions found in the autonomic nervous system — you have no control over them.
Why must the brain stem be fully formed before other functions can develop?
It is the communication route in which the autonomic nervous system operates. It is one of the first areas to develop and, unlike higher-order areas, does not continue to develop further.
What is the function of the cerebellum?
The cerebellum is vital for movement and balance. It coordinates bodily movements, maintaining posture, muscle tone and voluntary actions.
The cerebellum is not fully developed in humans until they reach years old.
The cerebellum is not fully developed in humans until they reach two years old.
Besides movement, which functions does the cerebellum play a role in?
Some cognitive functions, such as language and memory.
Where in the brain is the thalamus, and what is it like?
The thalamus is an egg-shaped, walnut-sized structure in the centre of the brain, above the midbrain. It straddles both hemispheres.
What is the thalamus’s main role?
It acts as a relay station, processing sensory information and sending it to the cerebral cortex, which then interprets it.
Name two other functions of the thalamus.
Relaying information about movement; playing a role in consciousness; filtering out irrelevant details to focus attention; and helping to regulate emotions.
What is the cerebral cortex?
The cerebral cortex is the brain’s outer layer, lying on top of the cerebrum — the largest area of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres.
Which functions are localised to the frontal cortex?
Higher-order functions such as thinking, learning, reasoning and problem-solving.
Where are the visual, auditory and motor areas of the cortex located?
The visual area is at the back of the brain; the auditory area on both sides near the ears; the motor area at the top, on both sides.
The prefrontal cortex is not fully developed in humans until the age of years.
The prefrontal cortex is not fully developed in humans until the age of 25 years.
Define nature, in terms of human behaviour.
Nature refers to biological and physiological factors and innate mechanisms — those which are not a product of environment or learning.
In terms of early brain development, what does the nature side of the debate argue?
That we are born with reflexes and behaviours which aid survival, such as crying for attention.
True or False?
Early brain development follows exactly the same pattern for every human.
False.
It tends to follow the same pattern, but some people inherit genetic conditions which mean their brains develop differently — often because the brain does not produce enough of certain proteins.
Define Wilson’s disease.
Wilson’s disease is a rare inherited disorder which prevents the body from getting rid of extra copper, too much of which can be poisonous.
Why is Wilson’s disease an example of nature?
It is present from birth, and can cause damage to the brain, kidneys and eyes.
Define nurture, in terms of human behaviour.
Nurture refers to environmental factors such as upbringing, home life, education and peers.
In terms of early brain development, what does the nurture side of the debate argue?
That the physical and psychological environment a baby is born into influences their behaviour.
A baby’s first environment is the .
A baby’s first environment is the uterus.
Give one positive external influence on a baby before birth.
The mother getting proper, healthy nutrition during pregnancy.
Give two negative external influences on a baby’s brain development before birth.
Maternal smoking, which can impede brain development; and infection — Zika virus impedes head and skull growth, and rubella can result in hearing loss.
What does babies responding to their mother’s voice suggest?
That they have got used to hearing it while in the womb — evidence that the uterus is an environment which shapes them.
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