Physical Development Flashcards
What are the three layers of the brain structure?
Cerebral Cortex, Limbic Region and Brain Stem
Define plasticity.
The ability of the brain to be affected by experience and develop new pathways or alternatives if a function is damaged.
What are synapses?
Synapses are the tiny spaces between neurons - chemical messages that are sent across these gaps.
How many neurons does a baby have at birth?
100-200 billion
What is the name of the process that allows neural fibres to transfer information more efficiently?
Myelination.
What is the process of pruning?
When unused or less efficient neural pathways are dropped out (Use it or lose it).
Name several factors that can impact a child’s brain development.
The mother drinking alcohol/abusing drugs during the pregnancy, malnutrition, exposure to gases and stimulus deprivation.
Define motor development with an example.
Motor development regards the qualitative changes in the movement or actions of the body and depends on brain maturation. Examples include a child being able to walk, run and jump.
Define gross motor skills and give an example.
Gross motor skills relate to the controlled movements of larger muscles and bones within the body. Examples include kicking a ball and jumping rope.
Define fine motor skills and provide an example.
Fine motor skills relate to the controlled movements of smaller muscles and bones within the body. Examples include playing the guitar and tying a shoelace.
