Early brain development, nature and nurture

Overview

How the brain develops from the neural tube through the brain stem, thalamus, cerebellum and cortex, maturation, and the part nature and nurture play in early development.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   From what structure does the brain begin to develop in the womb?

   Model answer

   The brain develops from the neural tube, a simple structure that forms in the first month of pregnancy. The front end of the tube grows into the brain.

2. 2

   Which part of the brain develops first, and why is this important?

   Model answer

   The brain stem develops first. The brain stem controls automatic functions like breathing and heart rate, which a baby needs to survive at birth.

3. 3

   What are autonomic functions?

   Model answer

   Autonomic functions are bodily processes that happen without conscious control. Examples include breathing, heart rate, digestion and body temperature.

4. 4

   What does the developing thalamus allow a baby to do?

   Model answer

   The thalamus relays information from the senses to the cortex. Thalamus development allows a newborn to start processing sights, sounds and touch.

5. 5

   Why does the development of the cerebellum matter for a young child?

   Model answer

   The cerebellum coordinates movement, balance and posture. The cerebellum grows rapidly after birth, allowing a baby to sit, crawl and later walk.

6. 6

   What does the developing cortex allow a child to do?

   Model answer

   The cortex is responsible for cognition, including thinking, language, memory and reasoning. The cortex develops most slowly, continuing to mature into adolescence and beyond.

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