SAMPLE Developmental Psychology

Chapter2: Development of Brain and Nervous System

Overview

This short chapter focuses on how we process the information we receive and adjust our brain to different functions. Learning Objectives

At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

● Describe and name parts of the nervous system and their functions. ● Understand how neurons communicate (Understand how the CNS communicates). ● Identify the different types of neurotransmitters. ● Identify parts of the brain and how they work together. A. The Background

In the quest to unravel the mysteries of human sensation and perception, the groundwork was laid by the pioneering efforts of German scientist Ernst Weber in the 1800s. His research, focused on understanding the sense of touch, led to the recognition that different parts of our bodies possess varying levels of sensitivity. These findings marked the inception of studies into the complex realm of the nervous system. Ernst Weber’s Contribution: Ernst Weber’s studies of tactile sensitivity shed light on how our bodies perceive touch. He determined that certain areas of the body are more sensitive than others, a fundamental insight that paved the way for further investigations into the nervous system’s functioning. Early Development: The formation of the nervous system commences during the early stages of embryonic development. Initially, simple tissue transforms into a neural tube, extending from the head to the tailbone. As development progresses, this neural tube differentiates into distinct regions, ultimately giving rise to the spinal cord and brain.

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