The Brain• Weighs about 3 pounds
• “The most complicated mass of matter in the known universe.”
• Contains over 10 billion neurons and another 100 billion support cells.▫ Eventually forms over
100 trillion connections.
• Brain controls ALL activity
• Constantly changing and adapting
• Neurons are capable of re-routing circuits
Terminology• Neurons:
▫ Specialized cells that transmit information to other nerve cells or muscles.
• Axon:▫ An electricity conducting
fiber that carries information away from the cell body.
• Dendrite:▫ Receives messages from
other neurons
• Synapse:▫ Contact point where one
neuron “communicates” with another neuron.
Source: Sullivan, 2006
Brain Development
•2 stages:▫Growth spurts or overproduction of
neurons▫Pruning
•Growth spurts are seen at younger ages•Pruning happens during adolescence
▫“Use it or lose it”
BRAIN STRUCTURES
• Frontal Lobe• Parietal Lobe• Temporal Lobe• Occipital Lobe
• Cerebellum• Corpus Callosum• Brain Stem
Source: University of Utah, 2006
Frontal Lobe
•Responsible for:▫Personality, judgment, reasoning, problem
solving, rational decision making,▫Logic and understanding of consequences▫Governs impulsivity, aggression,▫Organizing thoughts, planning for the future
▫Undergoes significant changes during adolescence Not fully developed until mid-20’s.
Prefrontal Cortex•Part of the frontal lobe:
▫Helps with impulse control, judgments, reasoning
▫One of the last areas of the brain to develop fully.
▫During this time, there is an increased need for: Structure, mentoring, and guidance from adults
Temporal Lobes
•Control hearing, understanding speech, sorting new information and short-term memory
•Contains:▫Amygdala and hippocampus
•Matures around 18-19 years of age.