Summarize the functions of areas of the brain that show significant development during early childhood

Question

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Answer 1

Measures of neural activity reveal especially rapid growth from early to middle childhood in prefrontal-cortical areas devoted to aspects of executive function: inhibition, working memory, flexibility of thinking, and planning. Furthermore, for most children, the left cerebral hemisphere is especially active between ages 3 and 6 years and then levels off. In contrast, activity in the right hemisphere increases steadily throughout early and middle childhood. Differences in rate of development between the two hemispheres suggest they are continuing to lateralize, or specialize in cognitive functions.
Besides the cerebral cortex, several other areas of the brain make strides during early childhood. All of these changes involve establishing links between parts of the brain, increasing the coordinated functioning of the central nervous system.
At the rear and base of the brain is the cerebellum, a structure that aids in balance and control of body movement. Fibers linking the cerebellum to the cerebral cortex grow and myelinate from birth through the preschool years, contributing to dramatic gains in motor coordination. Connections between the cerebellum and cerebral cortex also support thinking.
The reticular formation, a structure in the brain stem that maintains alertness and consciousness, generates synapses and myelinates from infancy into the twenties. Neurons in the reticular formation send out fibers to other brain regions. Many go to the prefrontal cortex, contributing to improvements in sustained, controlled attention.
An inner brain structure called the amygdalaplays a central role in processing of novelty and emotional information. It is sensitive to facial emotional expressions, especially fear. Throughout childhood and adolescence, connections between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, which governs regulation of emotion, form and myelinate.
Also located in the innerbrain, adjacent to the amygdala, is the hippocampus, which plays a vital role in memory and in images of space that help us find our way. It undergoes rapid synapse formation and myelination in the second half of the first year, when recall memory and independent movement emerge.
Finally, production of synapses and myelination of the corpus callosum, a large bundle of fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres, peak between 3 and 6 years. The corpus callosum supports smooth coordination of movements on both sides of the body and integration of many aspects of thinking, which is especially important as tasks increase in complexity.