Explain how different parts of the brain other than the cerebral cortex make important advances during early childhood.
What will be an ideal response?
Besides the cerebral cortex, several other areas of the brain make strides during early childhood. At the rear and base of the brain is the cerebellum, a structure that aids in balance and control of body movement. 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 amygdala plays a central role in processing of novelty and emotional information. It is sensitive to facial emotional expressions, especially fear.
Also located in the inner brain, 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.
Finally, 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.
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Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
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