Brain Theory

ii. Plays role in recall of facts, objects, and places, and has the ability to produce new neurons (neurogenesis) d. The Amygdala i. Has a role in emotions especially fear. ii. Regulates an individual’s interactions with the environment that can affect survival, such as whether to attack, escape, mate, or eat iii. Emotional part of memory is stored here III. Cerebrum (cortex) a. Largest area representing 90% of brain by weight b. Surface is pale, gray, wrinkled, and marked by deep furrows called fissures and shallow ones called sulci (raised ones = gyri) c. Two hemispheres connected by corpus callosum which is used to communicate activities d. Thinking, memory, speech, and muscular movement are controlled by areas in the cerebrum. IV. Cerebellum a. Contains more neurons than all of the rest of the brain put together b. Coordinates movement as it monitors impulses from nerve endings in the muscles c. Stores memory of automated movements such as tying shoe lace and typing. V. Brain Cells a. Nerve Cells: neurons and represent a 10 th of 100 billion b. Glial Cells: majority of the cells and hold neurons together and act as filters to keep harmful substances out of the neurons. VI. Mirror Neurons a. Clusters of neurons in the premotor cortex fire just before a person carried out a planned movement. Also when they saw someone else perform the movement. b. Play important role in social interactions and development of social skills. c. Helps us understand another’s emotions and helps us empathize with them. VII. Brain Fuel a. Brain cells consume oxygen and glucose for fuel b. Low amounts can produce lethargy and sleepiness c. Water is essential for healthy brain activity and is required to move neurons signals through the brain. Neuron Development in Children I. Windows of Opportunity a. Important periods in which young brain is susceptible to certain types of input from it’s environment in order to create or consolidate neural networks b. Critical periods c. Plasticity: ability of brain to change in subtle ways II. Motor Development a.