PSY100H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Neuroglia, Brain Size, Myelin
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PSY100H1 Full Course Notes
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Document Summary
At birth, 1/4 size of mature brain. Cerebrum: two connected hemisphere; largest part of brain. Embodies shared attributes of animals & uniquely human attributes. Cerebral cortex: covering layer of human cerebrum. Neurons: 100-200 billion at birth, most already present at 7 months gestation. Neuron proliferation: when neurons multiply at rapid rate during embryonic stage. Brain size increase as neurons & connections increase. Glial cells: provide structural support, regulate nutrients, and repair neural tissue. Covering parts of neurons with fatty wrapping (myelin), makes it easier to transmit information. Mostly occur during first 2 years but some continues into adulthood. Neural migration: movement of neurons within the brain that ensures all brain areas have sufficient number of neural connections. Absence of sufficient neurons associated with mental disabilities and disorders. Synapses: specialized sites of intercellular communication where info is exchanged between nerve cells, usually by means of chemical neurotransmitters, from axons to dendrites.
