Early Brain Development

  • Early brain development begins in the prenatal stages, usually a few days after conception.
  • The first element to develop in early brain development is known as the ‘neural tube’. This eventually becomes the spinal cord and the brain.
  • The three primary sections of the brain that form are the forebrain, the midbrain and the hindbrain.
  • The hindbrain, composed of the medulla, pons and cerebellum, is responsible for controlling the body’s automatic functions such as breathing and heart rate, as well as balance and coordination.
  • The midbrain is pivotal for motor movement, particularly movements of the eye, and auditory and visual processing.
  • The forebrain, composed of the cerebral cortex, thalamus and hypothalamus, is related to high order brain functions such as thought, emotion and behaviour.
  • By the end of prenatal development, thousands of neural connections are formed every second. These connections are formed through a process called synaptogenesis.
  • Neurons in the brain communicate through these connections, allowing information to be processed.
  • Brain development is sensitive to environmental factors, including nourishment and exposure to stress or harmful substances. Environmental stressors can affect the structure of the brain, potentially leading to developmental difficulties.
  • The continued development of a child’s brain after birth is also significant, particularly in the first few years. This is a period of rapid development where the child’s interaction with their surroundings plays a key role.
  • “Pruning” takes place during early childhood, this is the process where unused connections in the brain are eliminated, strengthening the most used and most important synapses.
  • “Critical periods” in early brain development refer to times when the brain is particularly responsive to environmental input, shaping cognitive and behavioural processes.
  • Overall, early brain development lays the foundation for cognitive and behavioural capabilities throughout the life of an individual.