Unit 1 Human Lifespan Development Neurological development Early
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Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development Neurological development Early development of the brain and nervous system
Unit 2: Human Lifespan Development Brain and neurological development (1) • Brain development begins with the formation and closure of the neural tube. • One of the most sensitive periods in brain development occurs when the neural tube is closing. • If the tube fails to close (about 4 weeks after conception) the result can be a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida. • Taking folic acid before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects. © Pearson Education Ltd 2016. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.
Unit 2: Human Lifespan Development Brain and neurological development (2) • At birth: the human brain consists of around 100 billion neurons (the core cells of the nervous system). • Neurons connect to form neural pathways which process and transmit information. © Pearson Education Ltd 2016. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.
Unit 2: Human Lifespan Development Brain and neurological development (3) • In the early years neural pathways develop because of the brain’s plasticity. • Stimulated through sensory stimulation (such as cuddling) and positive interactions (such as playing). • Lack of exposure to positive stimulation leads to the loss of neural pathways through neural pruning. • High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can also severely damage the developing brain. (Ref. Perry, B. D. , The Human Brain, Child. Trauma Academy, 2013) © Pearson Education Ltd 2016. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.
