The Brain and

Human
Development
Olivia Mertsis
 1 : Motor Skills/Coordination
Motor Skills : a function that involves specific movement of the bodies muscle in order to perform specific movements
or tasks

The brain is one of the most important parts in order for human development to take place.
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When motor skills are first being developed parts of the brain like the motor cortex, cerebellum, neural pathways,
brain stem and sensory areas all work together in order to process the information, plan movements and practice in
order to create the development of motor skills.

Without motor skills or coordination we would not be able to walk, run, lift things or even speak, which is one of the
many reasons why the brain plays a significant and very important role within human development.
 2 : Language Development
Language Development : The process in which one develops the ability to to understand and communicate through
means of speech.

Broca’s area which is located in the frontal lobe on the left hemisphere of the brain is mainly responsible for language
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production. Wernicke’s area, located in thePowerPoint
temporal lobe of the left hemisphere of the brain is involved and
responsible e for the comprehension of language through written and spoke means.

Without the brains huge impact on development we would not be able to tell eachother our feelings, thoughts, ideas
or even communicate with each other at all. The brain begins this development within the first stages of life, and
continues till the end of life as we are constantly learning new vocabulary and language.
 3 : Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive Abilities : The ability of the human brain to learn, process, remember and extract information.

The Prefrontal Cortex plays a significant role in the higher level cognitive functions. This part of the brain located at the
front undergoes a long and heavy process starting from birth continuing into adulthood. The prefrontal cortex
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to improvements in certain functions like attention span, memory, decision making and control.

The brain plays an important role in cognitive abilities. Structural changes and growth within the brain lead to the
growth and development of cognitive functions/abilities throughout the entire human lifespan.
 4 : Emotional and Social
The Limbic system within the brain is closely linked to emotional processing. These parts play a role in the generation
and regulation of emotions. As the brain begins and continues to develop, the Limbic System becomes more refined,
and improvements in emotional processing. The Limbic system is one of the key ways the brain is involved with
development specifically in the emotional and social aspect.
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Social Cognition. Social Cognition is the processes in which one can perceive, interpret and understand social aspect
around them. This includes things like gestures, facial expressions and cues. The brain understanding and interpreting
social cues leads to great social skills and awareness.

Brain Development has a significant impact on emotional and social development within humans. The Limbic system
and social cognition are all ways the brain contributes throughout life.
 Theory
Piaget 4 stage of cognitive development theory.

Piaget stated that children’s thinking develops from stage to stage, as well as their behaviour. This ultimately results in
reflecting their cognitive development.
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1. Sensorimotor stage (0-2 years old)
2. Preoperational stage (2-7 years old)
3. Concrete operational stage (7-11 years old)
4. Formal operational stage (11 years +)

stage 1 - use of reflexes,circular reactions, certain words to communicate etc.

stage 2 - talking, understanding objects/people,classify items etc.
stage 3 - solving problems, cognitive abilities better developed, numerical abilities etc.
stage 4 - hypothetical situations, abstract concepts etc.
 Main Stages of Development
The stages of brain development

first trimester - Weeks after a baby is conceived the brain begins to develop. The basic structure of the brain is formed,
as well as the neural tube which then becomes the spinal cord and brain. Neurons are then made.
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second trimester - Gyri(a ridge on the surface of the brain) and Sulci (surrounds each ridge) are formed. as well as
synapses(where neurons connect and communicate with eachother). Meylin( layer of the brain that form around
nerves) start to form, which helps the brain receive information.

third trimester - The brain is able to now respond to external forces like touch, smell, pain, taste and sound.

after birth

1-3 - The brain develops significantly during this time. Motor skills, recognition, talking, self awareness etc are all big
events that take place with the brain during this time.

After 3 years old and onward to late adulthood, the brain continues to develop and get more skills.
 Conclusion
In conclusion the brain is one of the main reasons Human Development is able to take place. The brain helps in areas
like motor skills, Language Development, Cognitive Abilities, Emotional and Social, among many other reasons.
Without the brain being able to function and take in information, life would not be possible as things like
communication, walking, learning, remembering, speaking etc all involve some part of the brain.
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interactive piece - https://quizizz.com/print/quiz/64863cb3be88e0001dc8f0ce

 Citations
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002261.htm#:~:text=Myelin%20is%20an%20insulating%20layer,efficiently%20al
ong%20the%20nerve%20cells.

https://www.simplypsychology.org/gyri-and-sulci-of-the-brain.html
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https://helpfulprofessor.com/cognitive-skills-examples/#:~:text=These%20are%20skills%20

https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-are-motor-skills-3107058