HDFS 2950 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Synaptic Pruning, Permanent Teeth, Handedness
20 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Ensures that child will acquire certain abilities even if some brain areas are damaged. Cognitive functions increasingly localize in distinct neural systems. Rapid growth occurs in prefrontal-cortical areas devoted to executive function. Reflects greater capacity of dominant cerebral hemisphere to carry out skilled motor action. Early damage to the left hemisphere may cause shift in handedness, but most left- handers have no developmental problems. Cerebellum: structure that aids in balance and control of body movement. Reticular formation: structure in brain stem that maintains alertness and consciousness. Hippocampus: inner-brain structure that plays a vital role in memory and spatial understanding. Amygdala: inner-brain structure that processes novelty and emotional information. Corpus callosum: large bundle of fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres. Longitudinal studies show negative relationship between lead exposure and iq. Since 1980, laws limiting lead content of paint and mandating lead-free gasoline have led to a sharp decline in children"s lead levels.
