PYC 4805:
Developmental
Psychology
Chapter 02
, 1. Neuroscience and Adult Development and Agin
» The availability of neuroscientific methods has stimulated research that allows us to study cognitive proce
changes in these processes – in the living brain, using non-invasive brain imaging techniques.
- Knowing what is going on inside a living person’s brain gives us enormous insights into both normative an
nonnormative activity.
1.1. How is the Brain Organised:
» At the most basic level, the brain is made up of cells called neurons.
» Key structural features of the neuron are the dendrites, which act like antennas to receive signals from o
neurons, the axon, which is part of the neuron containing the neurofibers, Which are the structures tha
information inside the neuron from the dendrites to the terminal branches, which are the endpoints of
- Neurons do not physically touch each other period in order for information to be paused from one neu
another, the terminal branch is released chemicals called neurotransmitters , that travel across the spac
your arms, called the synapse, where they are received by the dangers of the next neuron.
» The study of the structure of the brain, called neuroanatomy, is fundamental to neuroscience.
» The cerebral cortex is the outermost part of the brain.
- It consists of two hemispheres, left and right, that are connected by a thick bundle of neurons called th
callosum.
, 1.1. How is the Brain Organised:
» The prefrontal and frontal cortex is intimately involved in higher order executive functions such as the ab
and carry out plans, switch between tasks, and maintain attention and focus, and connects with other key
structures that are involved with emotion.