1. Prepared by Jeffrey W. Grimm Western Washington University
PowerPoint Presentation for Biopsychology, 9th Edition by John P.J. Pinel
Prepared by Jeffrey W. Grimm
Western Washington University
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2. From Fertilized Egg to You
Chapter 9
Development of the
Nervous System
From Fertilized Egg to You
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Neurodevelopment
Neural development is an ongoing process; the nervous system is plastic.
A Complex Process
Experience plays a key role.
There are dire consequences when something goes wrong.
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The Case of Genie
At age 13, Genie weighed 62 pounds and could not chew solid food.
She had been beaten, starved, restrained, kept in a dark room, and denied normal human interactions.
Even with special care and training after rescue, her behavior never became normal.
The case of Genie illustrates the impact of severe deprivation on development.
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5. Development of the Prefrontal Cortex
Believed to Underlie Age-Related Changes in Cognitive Function
No single theory explains the function of this area.
Prefrontal cortex plays a role in working memory, planning and carrying out sequences of actions, and inhibiting inappropriate responses.
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6. Neuroplasticity in Adults
The mature brain changes and adapts.
Neurogenesis (growth of new neurons) is seen in the olfactory bulbs and hippocampuses of adult mammals: adult neural stem cells created in the ependymal layer lining in ventricles and adjacent tissues.
Enriched environments and exercise can promote neurogenesis.
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7. Disorders of Neurodevelopment: Autism
Three Core Symptoms
Reduced ability to interpret emotions and intentions
Reduced capacity for social interaction
Preoccupation with a single subject or activity
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8. Disorders of Neurodevelopment: Autism (Con’t)
Intensive behavioral therapy may improve function.
Heterogenous: level of brain damage and dysfunction varies
Often Considered a Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorders
Asperger’s syndrome
Mild autism spectrum disorder in which cognitive and linguistic functions are well preserved
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9. Disorders of Neurodevelopment: Autism (Con’t)
Incidence: 6.6 per 1,000 Births (or 1 in 166)
80 percent of those affected are males, 60 percent are mentally retarded, 35 percent are epileptic, and 25 percent have little or no language ability.
Most have some abilities preserved: e.g., rote memory, jigsaw puzzles, musical ability, or artistic ability.
Autistic savants: intellectually handicapped individuals who display specific cognitive or artistic abilities
Approximately 1 in 10 autistic individuals display savant abilities.
Perhaps a consequence of compensatory functional improvement in one area following damage to another
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10. Genetic Basis of Autism
Siblings of the autistic have a 5 percent chance of being autistic
There is a 60 percent concordance rate for monozygotic twins.
Several Genes Interacting with the Environment
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11. Neural Mechanisms of Autism
Understanding of brain structures involved in autism is still limited; so far, research has implicated:
Cerebellum
Amygdala
Frontal cortex
There are two lines of research on cortical involvement in autism.
Abnormal response to faces in autistic patients
Spend less time than non-autistic subjects looking at faces, especially eyes
Low fMRI activity in fusiform face area
Possibly deficient in mirror neuron function
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12. Disorders of Neurodevelopment: Williams Syndrome
Rare neurodevelopmental disorder
1 in Every 7,500 Births
Mental Retardation and an Uneven Pattern of Abilities and Disabilities
People with Williams syndrome are sociable, empathetic, and talkative; they exhibit language skills, music skills, and an enhanced ability to recognize faces.
Profound Impairments in Spatial Cognition
Those with Williams syndrome usually have heart disorders associated with a mutation in a gene on chromosome 7; the gene (and others) is absent in 95 percent of those with Williams.
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13. Disorders of Neurodevelopment: Williams Syndrome (Con’t)
There is evidence for a role of chromosome 7 (as in autism).
General Thinning of Cortex at Juncture of Occipital and Parietal Lobes, and at the Orbitofrontal Cortex
“Elfin” Appearance: Short, Small, Upturned Noses; Oval Ears; Broad Mouths
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