Transcript

During childhood :

The brain will increase in weight by about a factor of three in the first two years of life and by a factor of four by early adulthood with a subsequent slow decline in weight as we age. The number of neurons is fairly constant from shortly after birth into adulthood. The increase in weight is not due to an increase in the number of neurons. It is associated with two processes. The first is an increase in the number of a different type of cell, glial cells. These do not process information themselves but support the neurons, physically and maintain the chemical environment that is necessary for neurons to function properly. The second is an increase in the number of connections formed between the neurons. These two processes are the anatomical key to development.

The systems of the brain develop in sequence. Those necessary for survival – the sensory systems develop rapidly. The baby must be able to feel, suck, and swallow. Sight and hearing too develop rapidly.

Language and motor skills are progressively developed with rapid maturation of the associated brain systems in the latter part of the first three years.

Cognitive systems continue to develop alongside social skills but it is not until well into adolescence that the systems of decision making are fully present.