Early Brain DevelopmentEarly Brain DevelopmentChapter 9 Section 1Chapter 9 Section 1

Child PsychologyChild Psychology

Ms. SchneiderMs. Schneider

•Dendrites: Extensions from the neuron cell body that take information TO the cell body.•Nucleus: part of the neuron that contains chromosomes. (genetic material)•Cell Body: Also called the soma; the part of the cell that contains the nucleus. •Myelin: Fatty substance that surrounds some axons. Speeds up communication.•Node of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelination of axons. •Axon: The part of the neuron that takes information AWAY from the cell body. •Synaptic Terminal: The end of the axon containing vesicles with neurotransmitters. Also known as axon terminals.•Neurotransmitters: The chemicals released by an axon and cross the gap to the dendrite of another nerve cell. That gap is called a synapse.

What is going on here?

Can you find the….

Axon

Soma

Dendrites

Myelin

Node of Ranvier

Nucleus

Synaptic Terminal

How Neurons WorkHow Neurons Work

Step 1:Step 1: Dendrites receive information from other Dendrites receive information from other

neurons. Each dendrite can have many neurons. Each dendrite can have many different branches.different branches.

Step 2:Step 2: The dendrites pass that information to the The dendrites pass that information to the

body of the nerve cell, where the information body of the nerve cell, where the information is processed.is processed.

Step 3:Step 3: The nerve cell sends messages through axons, which The nerve cell sends messages through axons, which

transmits the messages to the dendrites.transmits the messages to the dendrites. The axons are coated with a waxy protein-based The axons are coated with a waxy protein-based

substance called myelin.substance called myelin. Myelin allows information to be transmitted more Myelin allows information to be transmitted more

easily. easily.

Step 4: Step 4: Chemical called neurotransmitters are released by the Chemical called neurotransmitters are released by the

axon and cross the gap to the dendrite of another cell.axon and cross the gap to the dendrite of another cell. This gap is called the synapse.This gap is called the synapse.

CEREBRUMCEREBRUM The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain

and controls all conscious thoughts, and controls all conscious thoughts, experiences, and actions. experiences, and actions. Speech, memory, and problem solvingSpeech, memory, and problem solving

Its outer folded layer is called the cerebral Its outer folded layer is called the cerebral cortex.cortex.

THALAMUSTHALAMUS Connects the spinal cord and cerebrum.Connects the spinal cord and cerebrum. Controls expression of emotions.Controls expression of emotions.

PITUITARY GLANDPITUITARY GLAND The pea-sized gland that releases the The pea-sized gland that releases the

hormones that regulate growth and sexual hormones that regulate growth and sexual development. development.

Found in the center of the skullFound in the center of the skull

CEREBELLUMCEREBELLUM The The cerebellumcerebellum is the second largest part of is the second largest part of

the brain. the brain. It controls posture and balanceIt controls posture and balance. Replace this . Replace this

with, "It also helps with the timing and with, "It also helps with the timing and coordination of our movements, making them coordination of our movements, making them smooth and precise. smooth and precise.

BRAIN STEMBRAIN STEM It controls processes basic for survival, such as It controls processes basic for survival, such as

heart rate, breathing, digestion, heart rate, and heart rate, breathing, digestion, heart rate, and sleep.sleep.

It is the main route of communication between It is the main route of communication between the rest of the brain.the rest of the brain.

Spinal CordSpinal Cord Transmits information from the body to Transmits information from the body to

the brain and from the brain to the body.the brain and from the brain to the body. It coordinates the activities of the left It coordinates the activities of the left

and right sides of the body and controls and right sides of the body and controls simple reflexes that do not involve the simple reflexes that do not involve the brain.brain.