Early Brain Development Chapter 9 Section 1 Child Psychology Ms. 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 Work  Step 1:  Dendrites receive information from other neurons. Each dendrite can have many different branches.  Step 2:  The dendrites pass that information to the body of the nerve cell, where the information is processed.

 Step 3:  The nerve cell sends messages through axons, which transmits the messages to the dendrites.  The axons are coated with a waxy protein-based substance called myelin.  Myelin allows information to be transmitted more easily.  Step 4:  Chemical called neurotransmitters are released by the axon and cross the gap to the dendrite of another cell.  This gap is called the synapse.

 CEREBRUM  The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and controls all conscious thoughts, experiences, and actions.  Speech, memory, and problem solving  Its outer folded layer is called the cerebral cortex.

 THALAMUS  Connects the spinal cord and cerebrum.  Controls expression of emotions.

 PITUITARY GLAND  The pea-sized gland that releases the hormones that regulate growth and sexual development.  Found in the center of the skull

 CEREBELLUM  The cerebellum is the second largest part of the brain.  It controls posture and balance. Replace this with, "It also helps with the timing and coordination of our movements, making them smooth and precise.

 BRAIN STEM  It controls processes basic for survival, such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, heart rate, and sleep.  It is the main route of communication between the rest of the brain.

 Spinal Cord  Transmits information from the body to the brain and from the brain to the body.  It coordinates the activities of the left and right sides of the body and controls simple reflexes that do not involve the brain.