The Brain
The brain is an organ of the body made up of a number of different parts. The brain is divided into two hemispheres or the two halves of the cerebellum. The motor cortex that controls the body's movement is similar on both sides. The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, and vice versa. The language centers of the brain appear largely on the left side of the brain. Corpos callosum is the band of fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.
The brain is an organ of the body made up of a number of different parts. The brain is divided into two hemispheres or the two halves of the cerebellum. The motor cortex that controls the body's movement is similar on both sides. The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, and vice versa. The language centers of the brain appear largely on the left side of the brain. Corpos callosum is the band of fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.
Developmental Processes
Neurons: the cells that make up the nervous system of the body
Neurotransmitters: chemicals that transmit nerve impulses across a synapse from one nerve cell to another
Axon: the part of the nerve cell that conducts away from the cell body
Dendrites: the portions of a neuron that receive impulses from other neurons
Synapse: the place where the axon from one neuron meets the dendrite of another neuron
Synaptogenesis: the development of new synapses
Plasticity: the ability of an immature brain to change in form and function
Disabilities Related to Brain Development
Cerebral Palsy: a chronic condition that appears early in development and primarily involves problems with body movement and muscle coordination
Autism: a disorder that is characterized by difficulties with social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive, compulsive behavior or interests
Autism spectrum disorders: a group of conditions ranging from severe (autistic disorder) to mild (Asberger's disorder) and characterized by pervasive impairment in thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others