brain science

Caty W.
12 words 231 learners

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  1. synapsis
    the side by side pairing of homologous maternal and paternal chromosomes at the start of meiosis
    The prefrontal cortex communicates with the other sections of the brain through connections called synapses.
  2. prefrontal cortex
    the brain region related to decision-making, personality, and behavior
    The brain's remote control is the prefrontal cortex, a section of the brain that weighs outcomes, forms judgments and controls impulses and emotions.
  3. frontal lobe
    that part of the cerebral cortex in either hemisphere of the brain lying directly behind the forehead
    Imaging studies have shown that most of the mental energy that teenagers use in making decisions is located in the back of the brain, whereas adults do most of their processing in the frontal lobe [source: Wallis].
  4. myelin
    a white fatty substance that forms a medullary sheath around the axis cylinder of some nerve fibers
    As the connections are trimmed down, an insulating substance called myelin coats the synapses to protect them.
  5. millisecond
    one thousandth (10^-3) of a second
    Before 80 milliseconds had passed, adult brains had noticed the blunder, but teenage brains didn't notice any slip-up [source: Monastersky].
  6. cortex
    the tissue forming the outer layer of an organ or structure
    The brain's remote control is the prefrontal cortex, a section of the brain that weighs outcomes, forms judgments and controls impulses and emotions.
  7. stereotypical
    lacking spontaneity or originality or individuality
    As it happens, this combination could explain a lot of stereotypical teenage behavior.
  8. insulate
    surround with material to protect from heat, cold, or noise
    As the connections are trimmed down, an insulating substance called myelin coats the synapses to protect them.
  9. lobe
    a rounded projection that is part of a larger structure
    Imaging studies have shown that most of the mental energy that teenagers use in making decisions is located in the back of the brain, whereas adults do most of their processing in the frontal lobe [source: Wallis].
  10. imaging
    the ability to form mental images of things or events
    Imaging studies have shown that most of the mental energy that teenagers use in making decisions is located in the back of the brain, whereas adults do most of their processing in the frontal lobe [source: Wallis].
  11. refine
    reduce to a pure state
    And because adults have already refined those communicating synapses, they can make decisions more quickly.
  12. evaluate
    estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of
    Teenage Brain Development In adults, various parts of the brain work together to evaluate choices, make decisions and act accordingly in each situation.
Created on Thu Sep 12 09:29:55 EDT 2013

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